Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1400830
2 6 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M "So, it was kind of new to me, but I learned how to get used to it real quick, because shoot, I'm on the field getting playing time. I'm not going to say, 'Oh no, I don't want to do this. I'm not com- fortable.' No, I'll get comfortable. That was the biggest change, but really, there was nothing that I shied away from. I just tried to embrace the role and then do what I could do within the moment." Smith's efforts were rewarded as the season progressed. As he gradually grew more comfortable with his position- ing, he began making a bigger impact. He enjoyed his best game of the sea- son against Illinois in December, fin- ishing with a career-high eight tackles, including three tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery in a 56-21 victory. Smith's work ethic and perseverance caught the eye of Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry. Acknowledg- ing that the team's personnel needs had prevented Smith from playing to his strengths, Pry said he expects to see continued growth as he heads into the second half of his college career. "You're going to see him flash and do some nice things, and you're still going to see some areas where he's got to grow and be better," Pry said. "But I see improve- ment in him every week, and that's what I'm looking for from everybody when we evaluate the guys — whether you keep working toward your full potential. I think he's done a good job of that." The season mercifully came to a close for Smith and the Nittany Lions with the victory over the Illini, and the campaign's end gave the linebackers a much-needed opportunity to regroup and reset. Rated by Rivals.com as a four-star outside linebacker, ranked No. 3 at his position and No. 39 overall in the Class of 2019, Smith at last found himself with an opportunity to return to his on- field strengths. His maturation coin- cided with the emergence of Curtis Ja- cobs at the Sam position, and those two developments gave the coaching staff an opportunity to move Smith back to the Will spot in 2021. Freed from some of the pass-coverage responsibilities that are a staple of the Sam position, Smith has welcomed the chance to move sideline-to-sideline, relying on his instincts and speed to simply find the ball and make plays on it. Describing the change as a flashback to his high school "glory days," he's back in his comfort zone as Penn State pre- pares to open its 2021 season. Smith started all nine games last season at the Sam linebacker spot, finishing with 37 total tackles. He led the team with eight tackles for loss, including two sacks, and also added an interception and a fumble recovery. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/PENN STATE ATHLETICS "It just feels great being closer to the ball, for one, and I'm also making a big difference within the defense the way I want to." B R A N D O N S M I T H