Penn State Football: 3 under-the-radar youngsters who could breakout Saturday

Sep 10, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lion players sing their alma mater following the competition of the game against the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Belleville tight end Jamari Buddin practices at Belleville High School on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. /

LB Jamari Buddin

Another member of the 2021 recruiting class, linebacker Jamari Buddin is looking for an increased role in 2022.

Buddin recorded a tackle against both Purdue and Ohio but did not record any stats against Auburn despite seeing some playing time late in the contest.

If this game is a blow out, like it has the possibility to be, Buddin could be in line for a steady increase in reps in the second half.

Penn State’s linebacker depth is still a work in progress and the Nittany Lions will do everything possible to ensure the likes of Curtis Jacobs, Abdul Carter, Jonathan Sutherland, Kobe King and Tyler Elsdon stay healthy.

Buddin will likely see time at the WILL spot, which is what Jacobs and Carter play. You can see why playing time would be sparse with those two in the mix.

The score will dictate things, but in the case of a blow out, Buddin will have plenty opportunities to get after the quarterback and make tackles on wide receivers in space.

Central Michigan has a talented running back in Lew Nichols, going against him will be a solid test for Buddin.

Manny Diaz would like to build as much depth to his linebacker group as possible. A big performance from Buddin on Saturday could put him in the mix.

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