Penn State football's spring season is approaching and two positional moves, benefiting defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, were made on the roster already.
LaVar Arrington II likely earned more playing time on defense switching from linebacker to defensive end
LaVar Arrington II was previously a linebacker for the Nittany Lions. As a true freshman in 2025, he made seven game appearances as a special teamer, but did not log snaps on defense.
For at least his sophomore season, Arrington II will playe at defensive end. This move paves a way for the young defenseman to get on the field quicker and log meaningful snaps. Especially after burning his redshirt, this is a smart move.
Arrington II was a four-star linebacker in his recruitment cycle and was honored to join Penn State's squad with hopes of building on his father's legacy. Lavar Arrington is a former Nittany Lion linebacker who went second overall to Washington in the 2000 NFL Draft.
Penn State's defensive end room currently have Yvan Kemajou, Max Granville, and Ikenna Ezeogu among others. Arrington II only adds to the competition at that position, though it is still a young room.
Caleb Brewer swapped offense for defense with expectations from D'Anton Lynn to have him at tackle
Penn State made a second positional move as well.
Former three-star recruit Caleb Brewer transitioned from the offensive side of the ball to the defensive side. He was previously an offensive lineman, but did not see any playing time on the field in 2025. He is now listed as a defensive tackle on the roster.
Lynn expressed that part of his defensive philosophy is having larger tackles on the defensive line. Brewer is 6-foot-four and 302 pounds, fitting that mold Lynn has in mind.
Brewer will be a redshirt sophomore in the 2026 season and joins a defensive tackle room that includes Ty Blanding, Keanu Williams, Siale Taupaki, and Alijah Carnell. While he'll have to step up to the challenge, getting experience in this room in 2026 and can be beneficial for the Nittany Lions past that. Blanding is a redshirt junior, Taupaki and Williams are redshirt seniors, and Vakalahi is a junior.