Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/368554
efensive coordinator Bob Shoop calls it a "hybrid safety/outside linebacker." Adrian Amos simply says it's a nickel back. Jordan Lucas has another word for it, "phenomenal." There's a new position that will be in- cluded in some of Penn State's defensive packages this season – at least in certain situations against certain teams. At Van- derbilt, they called it the "star." It's unclear whether that name will stick at PSU, but the role will remain the same. In passing situations or against a pass-9rst team, a defensive back with size (aka Amos or Lucas) will drop down in the box to become a third linebacker with safety responsi- bilities. It's a 4-2-5 package, in coaching terminology. With spread o:enses proliferating throughout college football – nine of Penn State's upcoming opponents employed some form of spread formation last season – Shoop has looked for ways to balance his defensive personnel. Gone are the days of the traditional fullback, not just at PSU, but across the country. Teams now put four or 9ve receivers on the 9eld at once. So, Shoop says, you bring your athletes, and I'll bring mine. "This isn't 20 years ago when it was Rock 'em, Sock 'em Robots, where everyone runs downhill," he said. "There are more skilled athletes on the 9eld on o:ense than ever before. There are more three- and four-wide receiver sets than ever be- fore in today's modern, no-huddle spread o:enses." Those nine opponents will likely use spread o:enses again in 2014. Even Ralph D STAR SEARCH The Nittany Lions' defense will feature a new position this fall. What is it? And who will play it? | Tim Owen