Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1547542
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 6 3 9 a team that has that value system will be critical for us." Here's a look at how the defensive units have performed lately: Defensive Line For a program with Penn State's his- tory of productive defensive linemen, the sack total stands out. The Nittany Lions had just 6 through six Big Ten games, tied for the fewest in the conference. Redshirt junior Ty Blanding and sophomore Yvan Kemajou were the only defensive linemen to contribute to that total. Kemajou had a sack against Pur- due, and the two combined for one at Washington. Penn State is still trying to replace redshirt sophomore defensive end Max Granville, who suffered a season-end- ing injury in practice after the opener. The pass rush has shown modest im- provement, but the Lions have recorded just 1 sack in each conference game. The line has provided more reasons for optimism against the run. As seniors Keanu Williams and Siale Taupaki work through injuries, Penn State has got- ten contributions from Blanding, red- shirt sophomore Armstrong Nnodim and junior Dallas Vakalahi at defensive tackle. Sophomore defensive end Alex- ander McPherson has also taken on an expanded role, starting each of the past two games. He made 4 tackles, including one for loss, at Washington. Linebacker Already thin at this position group before the season, Penn State has faced further strain during Big Ten play. Soph- omore Alex Tatsch's season-ending in- jury and redshirt freshman Cam Smith's injury limitations have left Rojas and se- nior Kooper Ebel carrying much of the workload. Campbell described Smith as the "MVP of the bye week" after strong practices, but he played just 4 defensive snaps against Purdue and none at Wash- ington. Rojas has been one of Penn State's most productive and consistent de- fenders. Through nine games, he led the team with 66 tackles, including 11.5 for loss and 5 sacks. He also had 2 inter- ceptions, 4 quarterback hurries, 2 pass breakups and a forced fumble, contrib- uting as a run defender, a pass rusher and in coverage. Ebel has been less consistent. PFF credited him with one of his best per- formances of the season against Purdue, but he followed it with an underwhelm- ing showing at Washington in which he was charged with 2 missed tackles. He finished with 8 stops, tying Rojas for the team lead in that game. Penn State used the bye week to move junior Marcus Neal Jr. from safety to linebacker. The move adds an experi- enced option, but the Lions still need more dependable help behind their starters heading into the final stretch of the season. Secondary Redshirt senior Audavion Collins might be having the best season of any Penn State player on either side of the ball, and Dixson also belongs in that discussion. Their play has made cor- nerback a dependable position for the Nittany Lions under veteran assistant Terry Smith. Through nine games, Collins led the team with 10 pass breakups and he had 20 tackles. Dixson had 4 breakups, 19 tack- les and an interception. Both had started every game, providing continuity for a defense that has had to adjust elsewhere. Campbell said Collins "has been ex- ceptional" and praised both players for their confidence and self-motivation. He sees in them the qualities he wants to develop throughout the team. "Those guys have played at a really high rate," Campbell said. "They're playing with a lot of confidence, and I give a lot of credit to those guys, what they stand for, their love for football. They're demanding of themselves to be their best." Penn State has also gotten help from redshirt sophomore transfer Ibn McDan- iels, who has contributed at cornerback in each of the past two games. His first career interception came in the fourth quarter at Washington, giving the de- fense a much-needed takeaway. ■ Redshirt senior Audavion Collins had a team-high 10 pass breakups through nine games. He and sophomore Daryus Dixson have given Penn State a dependable pair of starters at cornerback. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL