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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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 30: Keaton Ellis #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions warms up before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football safety – Keaton Ellis

As the most likely candidate to step into the starting lineup in place of Jaquan Brisker, the State College native in Keaton Ellis has some massive shoes to fill.

Though the secondary figures to once again be among the nation’s best, led by Ji’Ayir Brown and Joey Porter Jr., the second safety spot is the biggest question mark for the defensive backfield.

Ellis has been around the program for a few years now, and after starting his career as a promising cornerback, has struggled to truly break through to this point.

He converted to safety last season, which seems to be a good fit for him, but his familiarity with the position remains limited.

If Penn State hopes to truly contend for a conference championship this year, they’re going to have to shut down some outstanding passing offenses. For that reason, every member of the secondary is going to have to perform at a high level, including Keaton Ellis.

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