Blue White Illustrated

September 2022

Penn State Sports Magazine

Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1476228

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1 0 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M P enn State coach James Franklin opened his me- dia day news conference at Beaver Stadium in early Au- gust by noting that the Nittany Lions' defense had been active in the turnover department early in preseason camp. If you're looking for one way that unit will be different in 2022 with new coordinator Manny Diaz in charge, that's a good place to start. Formerly the head coach at Miami (Fla.), Diaz was hired by Penn State in December after Brent Pry left to take charge of Virginia Tech's program. He brings an aggressive approach to the Nittany Lions, and his emphasis on takeaways was clearly evident at the start of preseason practice. "I think we're in a good place," Frank- lin said. "I've been pleased with how we play defensively. I love what Manny is doing in terms of how he's emphasiz- ing getting your hands on [footballs], in terms of causing fumbles and intercep- tions. "I've been very pleased. There are some subtle changes." Speaking less than a month before the start of the season, Franklin did not PSU AIMS TO KEEP FOES OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE G R E G P I C K E L | G R E G. P I C K E L @ O N 3 . C O M NEWS & NOTES Third-year sophomore linebacker Tyler Elsdon and his fellow defensive players have been participating in turnover drills throughout preseason camp. At his previous coaching stop in Miami, coordinator Manny Diaz's defenses were among the best in the country at collecting fumbles and interceptions. PHOTO BY DANIEL ALTHOUSE

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