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Penn State Football: the final depth chart projections for the defense in 2022

By Nick Kreiser

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Curtis Jacobs #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions takes the field before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Curtis Jacobs #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions takes the field before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 20: Jonathan Sutherland #0 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a play against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 20, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 20: Jonathan Sutherland #0 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a play against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 20, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football linebackers

Weak Side Linebacker

#1 – Curtis Jacobs

#2 – Charlie Katshir

Middle Linebacker

#1 – Tyler Elsdon

#2 – Kobe King

Strong Side Linebacker

#1 – Jonathan Sutherland

#2 – Jamari Buddin

Depth on the second level of the defense is certainly a concern for Penn State Football entering the 2022 season, making the depth chart relatively easy to project.

We’ve known for months that Curtis Jacobs will start at WILL and Jonathan Sutherland at SAM, but the MIKE linebacker position battle between Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King has been one of the primary storylines of the offseason.

As per James Franklin’s recent comments, it seems like Elsdon is the favorite to win that job, meaning King will be his backup.

Jacobs’ backup on the weak side will almost certainly be the seasoned Charlie Katshir, and all signs point towards Jamari Buddin also finding himself in a backup role.

Finally, true freshman Abdul Carter could potentially play a factor as well, and could be considered as the third option at either of the box linebacker positions.

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