Penn State Sports Magazine
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3 2 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 including last year, when he picked up a 72.2 overall grade. He was also one of the elite tacklers at the safety position, finishing the season with an 87.2 grade in that department. 17. Brenton Strange — So.-R, TE Strange was called upon to fill in af- ter Pat Freiermuth underwent season- ending surgery last year. He earned the bulk of the playing time, with 17 catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns by the time the season finished. With his first taste of meaningful experience now under his belt, he's a player who should progress in 2021. 18. Devyn Ford — Jr., RB One of several talented running backs on Penn State's roster, Ford has yet to reach the kind of gear that one might expect of a player who was the top all- purpose back in his class in 2019. Still, it's clear the talent is there. He rushed for 274 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry last sea- son and will be among a big group of experienced running backs vying for playing time. 19. Theo Johnson — So., TE Penn State's staff is high on its op- tions at tight end this season, and John- son is a major reason why. A 6-foot-6, 250-pounder, he has the kind of athleti- cism that was apparent for all to see last year, when he helped fill in for the in- jured Freiermuth. He caught four passes for 56 yards during his true freshman season, perhaps giving Penn State fans a taste of what's to come as his role in the offense grows. 20. Ji'Ayir Brown — Sr., S Another player who received rave re- views from his teammates and coaches this past spring was Brown, a Lackawa- nna College transfer who arrived before last season. He played sparingly for the Nittany Lions in 2020 but seems to have made a significant jump. He'll compete with Sutherland for one of the starting safety positions in the fall. 21. Johnny Dixon — Jr., CB One of several transfers to crack this list, Dixon arrived from South Carolina this past offseason. He was a regular starter for the Gamecocks at corner- back and figures to fight for a starting spot at that position this fall. His best asset according to PFF last season was his tackling, an effort that earned him a 67.8 performance grade. 22. Ellis Brooks — Sr.-R, LB Brooks anchored a Penn State line- backer group that stepped into a dif- ficult situation last year, with stalwart Micah Parsons opting out of the 2021 season shortly before it began. The unit struggled collectively, but Brooks contributed effectively in some areas, including against the run, where he earned a 72.0 grade from PFF. 23. Curtis Jacobs — So., LB The apparent replacement for Smith at the Sam linebacker spot as he slides over to the Will, Jacobs has the quick- ness and familiarity with coverage tech- niques necessary to be a great fit for Penn State at that position. He played only sparingly last season, seeing 64 snaps, but his tools make him a player to watch. 24. Kalen King — Fr., CB Penn State head coach James Frank- lin made a surprising statement this spring when he described King as "the most advanced" freshman he's coached during his tenure in Happy Valley. Ad- mittedly, there's an element of pro- jection associated with including King on this list as a true freshman, but he had a great showing in Penn State's spring practice sessions, putting some weight behind Franklin's claims. He's the name to watch within this fresh- man class. 25. Juice Scruggs — Jr.-R, OL Figuring to step into a starting job for Penn State at one of the guard spots this coming season, Scruggs is a name that has plenty of people excited about the potential of the Nittany Lions' offen- sive front. He played very well in limited snaps for the Lions last fall and will be looking to take the next step this season into a more significant role on the of- fense. ■ Curtis Jacobs is prepared to take over the Sam o u ts i d e li n e b a c ke r s p o t a f te r s h owcas i n g h i s potential as a true freshman backup last season. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL/PENN STATE ATHLETICS