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saw his most frequent action on Penn State's kick and punt coverage and re- turn units. But given the Nittany Lions' instability within the position group due to injuries and absences, Jacobs was able to accrue reps at linebacker in seven games, including double-digit snaps against Maryland (13), Iowa (17) and Michigan State (15). In the process, Luketa helped play mentor to both Ja- cobs and Smith as the two continued to gain experience. "They're hungry. They're students of the game. They're always trying to find ways to improve themselves, and that's big, especially at the linebacker position, because as far as your preparation, what you see in film is exactly what you're going to be seeing come game day," Luketa said. "So see- ing how Brandon has been able to progress week to week, it's been big for him for not only his progression individually, but for us collectively as a defense. "And Curtis, he's a guy who is going to be a problem. He's extremely talented. He's a guy who can play the Sam or Will 'backer position, so him [having a chance] to earn more opportunities to build and earn Coach Pry's trust is going to be big for him as well." Capping his season with four unassisted tackles against the Spartans, Jacobs was able to use his last few games as a springboard into winter conditioning and spring practice. Now listed at 6-foot-1, 227 pounds, opposite Smith, who checked in at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds this spring, Jacobs has found comfort in the rhythm of daily, incremental improvement while relying on all of the resources at his dis- posal within the room. "I've been trying every day since I got in to just get one percent better every day," Jacobs said. "Brandon, Ellis and Jesse re- ally all have been important with that be- cause I've just been a sponge and just have been learning things from them, learning different techniques. This is a position I had never really played before until college, so it was more about learn- ing for me, getting better, as good as I can. So now that I'm ready to play, I've just got to keep getting better." The Nittany Lions are counting on it. With Luketa and Charlie Katshir miss- ing some or all of spring practice due to injuries, Jacobs moved into a featured role at the Sam position. Franklin de- scribed him as the presumptive starter opposite Smith if the season were to start today. The additional reps proved to be extremely beneficial, and his develop- ment, coupled with Smith's continued growth, has given rise to heightened ex- pectations for the group this coming sea- son. "Curtis was able to gain some experi- ence last year, and right now he's playing like a confident guy," Franklin said. "And WRAPPED UP Jacobs made steady improve- ment throughout his true freshman season. Against Michigan State in week eight, he fin- ished with four unas- sisted tackles, including this stop of Spartans tight end Matt Dotson. Photo by Steve Manuel >>

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