Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1467458
J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 2 3 3 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M S P R I N G F O O T B A L L 2 0 2 2 Senior defensive end Nick Tarburton is confident that Penn State's im- provement up front will continue this fall. Coming off a 2021 season in which the Nittany Lions were among the nation's best at defending the pass (199.8 yards per game), and at keeping points off the scoreboard (17.3 per game), the linemen were determined this spring to build on their solid showing. Under the direction of new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and position coach John Scott Jr., PSU focused on building cohesion. Tarburton said he believes the results of that work will be evident this season. "I think the biggest thing is just our effort. That's been something that we've been continually trying to push throughout camp — how we run to the ball, and also how we play as one," Tarburton said. "I think we're starting to jell, and I'm excited for people to see how we play as one, as a whole defense. I think it's going to be fun to watch." With Penn State's defensive front having lost three starters from the 2021 season, two of whom were recently selected in the NFL Draft, Tar- burton is one of the veteran returning performers who will be expected to help bring the newcomers along. A year ago, he started eight games and finished with 30 tackles to rank 10th on the defense. Now that he has gained a wealth of experience at Penn State, the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder from Green Lane, Pa., understands his leadership responsibilities. "I've tried to be the best teammate I can possibly be each and every day, and I feel like I've done that," he said. "I'm a guy who is willing to give the shirt off my back for anybody. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. I'm a stand-up guy who is going to try to be there for you whenever I can. "I think I lead more by example than I do my voice. That's something I want to bring to my leadership abilities, just to be able to speak as well. Show through play, lead by play, but also be able to speak up when need be." Hardly alone in that effort, Tarburton said fifth-year senior defensive tackle PJ Mustipher has been an integral part of the equation this spring, even as he's worked to recover from a season-ending knee injury last year. The Lions have also gotten a boost from the return of redshirt junior defensive end Adisa Isaac. Tarburton said it's been gratifying to see Isaac back in action after missing last season with an Achilles tendon injury. "It's been awesome. I can't say enough about Adisa," Tarburton said. "I love being able to play by him again, play by him on his side and every- thing. It's been a blessing. "He's an awesome guy, character guy, but then also, he adds just so much to it. He's quick and explosive. He can rush the passer. It's been awe- some just to see him back on the field and be able to work with him." — Nate Bauer Nick Tarburton Is Ready To Be A Defensive Leader In 2022 Slowed by injuries earlier in his career, Tarburton played in 13 games last year and started eight. Among his 30 total stops were 4.5 tackles for loss. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL