Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/541265
P R E V I E W backer"; the Mike and Will are considered "box 'backers." The Sam linebacker is re- quired to cover more field, be the guy who goes man-on slot receivers and tight ends, but can also put pressure on the QB when asked. In short, it's a more athletic, versatile version of a box linebacker and a bulkier version of a safety. At first, it was a difficult transition for Bell, who played a traditional linebacker role as a freshman. Now with a full season and a spring under his belt working mostly at the Sam position, he is beginning to settle in nicely. "There's definitely been tremen- dous growth from last spring to this one," Bell said. "Last spring I was just coming into the position. The first time I was a little scared, some lack of confidence out there on the field. This spring I would definitely say went smooth. Teach- ing [backup Sam linebackers] Koa Farmer and Von Walker and getting them more acclimated into the system was good for me, too, so I could understand the system more and teach them a little bit." Shoop sees the difference, too. He's thankful for Bell's progress but is maybe even more grateful for his work with Farmer and Walker, two players whose skill sets make them natural fits at the Sam linebacker position, perhaps even better fits than Bell. Drawing on the experience he gained as a freshman in a traditional linebacker role, Bell maintains the ability to play either Mike or Will in Shoop's scheme, and that gives the second-year defensive coordinator additional options and flex- ibility. It also creates an added demand for the backup role, sparking a hidden but heated position battle between Farmer and Walker, a former walk-on who is now on scholarship. "Brandon really made great strides this spring, not just understanding the concept of the field linebacker position, but also as a leader," Shoop said. "He has the ability to play in space. He has the ability to blitz off the edge. He's now in his third year in the program, he's an upperclassman now, and I thought he provided some really ON THE RISE Bell was moved to the field linebacker spot as a sophomore. The demanding new po- sition required him to perform a variety of jobs, from rushing the passer to cover- ing slot receivers and tight ends. Photo by Steve Manuel