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was slicked to the side and his face J ames Franklin's announcement came, at least to this follower of Penn State recruiting, as something of a surprise. Micah Parsons, the top-ranked player in Pennsylvania for the Class of 2018, would not begin his career with the Nit- tany Lions at defensive end, the position at which he had won five-star recogni- tion from Rivals.com. "We're going to play Micah Parsons at Mike linebacker this spring and see how that goes," Franklin said. "We know he can move back to defensive end. But we're going to have him here for spring ball and see if he can do that." Athletically, few doubts exist as to Parsons' ability to make the transition. In June 2015, months before he began his junior season, I witnessed his freakish gifts. On hand for the Rivals.com Five- Star Challenge in Atlanta, Parsons was a marvel, routinely getting the best of his offensive line counterparts. Further, on a whim, he asked me to judge a 40-yard dash between him and three wide receiver prospects who were attending the event. He blew past them to win easily. That athleticism will come into play as he transitions to linebacker. Franklin said as much, noting that Parsons' success as a running back in high school could offer a window into his potential as a linebacker. With Penn State having cut ties with Manny Bowen and lost Jason Cabinda and Brandon Smith to graduation, Parsons' arrival could not be more critical, consid- ering the position's immediate needs. "We have a challenge – we need to solve some linebacker depth issues," Franklin said. "We think with him graduating early, he's got a chance to learn it and truly compete for the job come the fall." Parsons' move isn't unprecedented in recent Penn State history. In fact, Cabinda knows the circumstances inti- mately. Evaluating the position group that will remain in his absence, he re- flected on his own experience moving from defensive end in high school to Mike linebacker at Penn State, correlat- ing it to Parsons' impending transition. "He's a confident guy, a guy who is confident in his abilities. He's a very skilled player and has a unique skill set, so I think he can do a lot for us," Cabinda said. "I think when you're at D-end in high school, a lot of times it's just like 'Go get it. Go get the ball. Just go.' "At linebacker, you have responsibili- ties and some [pass-coverage] drops. I played some D-end in high school. ... I didn't really play linebacker until I got here. So I do know what that's like. It will be a tough transition, just making sure he's not doing too much. You've just got to stay within the defense and just do what the defense is asking you to do." Parsons will not be without competition when spring practice begins in March. The Lions return redshirt freshman Ellis Brooks and former walk-on Jan Johnson. Still, without Cabinda's starting experi- ence, PSU will be looking to identify its best, most reliable option for the position this spring. It could be the new guy. "Parsons is what we thought," Franklin said. "He's strong, he's explosive, he's fast. All these [early enrollees] are being very supportive of one another. They are asking a lot of questions. They have hum- bled themselves, and the morning work- outs typically do that. I know the older guys have been impressed with them." At times during his recruitment, Par- sons was an outspoken lightning rod. That he is said to be acclimating to the new position bodes well for the Nittany Lions' future there. Parsons is humble and hungry, and he combines that mental approach with unparalleled athletic abil- ity. Good things are likely to follow. ■ 111 E. Beaver Ave s State College, PA 16801 www.The-Phyrst.com 814.234.4406 137 Elmwood St. s State College, PA 16801 www.HappyValleyBeer.com Wood-fire Grill 12 Beers on Tap 200 Year Old Barn 821 Cricklewood Dr. s Toftrees, State College www.AmericanAleHouse.net 814.237.9701 s Piano Bar s Sommelier 814.238.1406 814.234.7700 s 1611 Atherton St. s State College 814.941.7788 s Plank Rd. Exit s Altoona www.ChampsSportsGrill.net s Best Game Bar s Large Groups Welcome c lc e W We s p u o r G e g r a L s a e B m a st G e B s S n S h 1 A 1 6 1 0 0 7 7 4. 3 2 4. 1 8 me co r a l l C S r G s rt o p S s p m a h C . www s t i x . E d k R n a l P s 8 8 7 7 1. 4 9 . 4 1 8 S s . t n S o t r e h t 1 A 1 6 1 s 0 0 7 7 4. 3 2 4. 1 8 t e n . l l i r na o o t l A e g e l l o C e at t S JUDGMENT CALL Parsons has chance to give PSU a lift during 2018 season

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