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Penn State Football: key players and keys to success on defense in 2022

By Nick Kreiser

Nov 6, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Curtis Jacobs (23)and teammates enter the field before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Curtis Jacobs (23)and teammates enter the field before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 18: Jarquez Hunter #27 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Curtis Jacobs #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 18: Jarquez Hunter #27 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Curtis Jacobs #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football key player on defense – Curtis Jacobs

Because the linebacking corps is so thin and experienced, as the lone veteran and proven linebacker, Curtis Jacobs will have to have a big season to help lead the unit and mask some potential weaknesses.

Plus, as important as it will be for the defensive line to stop the run up front, there will obviously still be times where they are unable to do that and the second level will have to take over. When that happens, Curtis Jacobs needs to step up.

Jacobs will also likely be utilized a lot in blitz packages, so he can also have a big impact on getting into the offensive backfield and pressuring the quarterback.

Not only will Curtis Jacobs be one of these best players for this defense, but he will play a crucial role and his performance will greatly influence the success of the team.

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