Penn State Football: five players that need to exceed expectations in 2022

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 23: Caedan Wallace #79 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against Isaiah Gay #92 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Beaver Stadium on October 23, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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MADISON, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 04: Isaac Guerendo #20 of the Wisconsin Badgers is pursued by Jonathan Sutherland #0 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football outside linebacker – Jonathan Sutherland

Just like last year, the Nittany Lions will be thin at linebacker. As a result, sixth year senior Jonathan Sutherland, who is a converted safety, is expected to be the starting strong side linebacker.

The Ottowa native has minimal starting experience, and is relatively new to the linebacker position, so expectations for him are relatively low.

However, he is a smart and seasoned player who always knows his assignment on each and every play, and he is a willing tackler. He will also be comfortable in coverage as a natural defensive back, though he will usually come off the field on obvious passing downs as Penn State goes with a nickel package.

Seemingly many fans think Sutherland will struggle at linebacker and be a liability on the second level, though I tend think differently.

Jonothan Sutherland can exceed those expectations and be a solid, reliable linebacker for Manny Diaz; and they’ll certainly need him to.

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