Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/847744
P E N N S T A T E F O O T B A L L >> season, while Brown started two. That wouldn't have happened if last year's starting trio of Cabinda, Bell and Wartman-White had stayed healthy, and Penn State should reap some benefits from all the patching and plugging it was forced to do early in the year. A 6rst-team trio that features third- year starter Cabinda in the middle, Bowen at the Will spot and Farmer at Sam looks pretty formidable. But depth may still be a concern. Brown had a great o8-season in the weight room and gives the coaches some 7exi- bility, Brandon Smith is a durable backup in the middle, and Cooper is healthy again a9er an injury-short- ened sophomore season. But a9er that, there's not a lot of experience. Expect one or two of the incoming freshmen to see action this fall. Indeed, it would be a surprise if Brooks didn't play, as he's most likely going to be groomed to take over for Cabinda in 2018. PHIL'S TAKE The No. 1 storyline at linebacker this past spring was Farmer's development at the Sam OLB position. Farmer was the recipient of the Jim O'Hora Award given annually to the most improved defensive player in spring practice. Despite standing 6- foot-1, 239 pounds, he is one of the team's faster players. Another key de- velopment was Brown's maturation at the Will position behind Bowen. He's added close to 30 pounds since arriv- ing on campus and could tip the scales at 6-5, 230 this fall. Cabinda is the leader of this group, and the defense as a whole, while Smith is a solid No. 2 MLB. Miller moved from strong safety and has added 20 pounds while main- taining his 4.4 40-yard speed. Faison- Walden missed most of spring practice with a shoulder injury but is third team at the Sam OLB position behind Farmer and Miller. Farmer, Bowen, Miller, Brown and Faison-Walden could provide Penn State with the fastest group of outside linebackers in Penn State football history. All 6ve re- portedly have 4.5-second or better 40- yard speed. ■