Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1400830
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 31 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M into the campaign, but Lee stepped up as a true freshman to keep the backfield moving forward. He carried 89 times for 438 yards and four touchdowns. Now, the question is whether Lee can carve out a regular role for himself in what has be- come a very crowded Penn State running back room. 11. P.J. Mustipher — Sr., DT One Nittany Lion who tweaked his role entering the 2021 campaign is Mustipher, who added around 25 pounds as he preps to play the one-technique role at defensive tackle. Mustipher is carrying about as much weight as he did in 2019, when he was an elite presence against the run, and he's hopeful he can return to form after taking a step back in 2020. 12. Mike Miranda — Sr.-R, OL To fill the hole at center vacated by Michal Menet, Miranda is slated to move over from his regular post at left guard. It will be a new challenge for the fifth-year player after playing both guard posi- tions the past few years, but one that the Penn State staff is confident he'll handle well. He was a solid pass blocker for Penn State last season, earning a 70.4 grade from PFF. 13. Parker Washington — So., WR What can Washington do for an en- core? The wideout emerged to fill an urgent need for Penn State last season as a true freshman, compiling 489 re- ceiving yards and six touchdowns on 36 receptions. His growth will be crucial to the success of Penn State's passing game under Yurcich, and a full preseason to work with Sean Clifford should be to his advantage. 14. Brandon Smith — Jr., LB Of all the Penn State linebackers who saw the field last season, Smith has gar- nered the most excitement heading into the 2021 campaign. He's vacating the Sam spot in favor of the Will linebacker role, where he should be better posi- tioned to play to his strengths closer to the line of scrimmage. According to PFF, Smith's best assets were his tackling and his pass-rushing ability in 2020 — two things he should get to do more often playing at Will. 15. Joey Porter Jr. — So.-R, CB Earning a starting spot at cornerback as a redshirt freshman, Porter was a rare shining light amid a very poor season for the Nittany Lions last year. Lanky and strong, Porter was never outmuscled, and proved an excellent tackler on the outside, finishing the season with an 85.8 tackling grade from PFF. He can improve in coverage, to be sure, but that upside is part of the reason to be excited about him in 2021. 16. Jonathan Sutherland — Sr.-R, S Sutherland has contributed reliably on special teams and in a reserve role for Penn State for the better part of three seasons now. Pro Football Focus analysts have always rated him highly, Brandon Smith will shift to Will linebacker in 2021 after making 37 tackles with eight for loss, including two sacks, at the Sam spot last season. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/PENN STATE ATHLETICS