Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Blue-White Game Position Preview: Linebacker

Editor’s Note: This is the seventh in a series previewing Penn State football, part of Onward State and StateCollege.com’s countdown of insight and analysis about head coach James Franklin and his team heading into the Blue-White Game on April 12. Read the previous stories here.

Today’s preview highlights a position with which Penn State football has become synonymous, although the days of Linebacker U may be in the past as the Nittany Lions have turned to a more offense-based approach.

Key Losses: Glenn Carson

Key returners: Ben Kline, Mike Hull, Brandon Bell, Nyeem Wartman, Gary Wooten, Charles Idemudia

Incoming players: Troy Reeder, Torrence Brown

Depth Chart: This is a position where the starters should be pretty solidified through camp into the beginning of the season in Ireland. Sophomore Brandon Bell and redshirt sophomore Nyeem Wartman are the favorites for the two outside linebacker positions. Following Carson’s graduation, redshirt senior Mike Hull has been moved to the middle linebacker spot, which is fitting since the position is nicknamed the “Mike” linebacker. Ben Kline sits behind Hull at that spot while Gary Wooten and Charles Idemudia are second in line for the two outside spots in the Nittany Lions’ 4-3 defense.

Prediction: While there is room for speculation in some other spots on Penn State’s roster, this one is fairly black and white. I’d be surprised if anyone other than the three players listed above start at linebacker come August, barring any injuries. Troy Reeder and Torrence Brown are both solid recruits, but they need some development time and it would be a shocker if either of them saw the field much or at all in 2014.

Losing Mike Mauti and Gerald Hodges two seasons ago hurt Penn State’s defense immensely. The Carson departure gives Hull a chance to shine, but he has some big shoes to fill. While depth is a bit of a concern and I wouldn’t expect huge things from Penn State’s linebackers, the unit is solid overall and should be able to get the job done.

Other position previews: Quarterbackrunning backdefensive backspecial teams, defensive line.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Zach Berger

Zach Berger is a StateCollege.com reporter and Onward State's Managing Editor Emeritus. You can find him at the Phyrst more nights than not. If he had to pick a last meal, Zach would go for a medium-rare New York strip steak with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and a cold BrewDog Punk IPA. You can reach him via e-mail at [email protected] or on Twitter at @theZachBerger.

State College Goodwill Sells Rare Lego Piece For Over $18,000

While it took some time for Goodwill experts to know what they had on their hands, initial offers for the peice came in at $30,000.

New Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen Brings Key Wrinkles To Penn State Football’s Defense

“We try to keep things simple so we can play fast.”

Women’s History Month: Five Influential Penn State Alumnae

To celebrate Women’s History Month, learn more about five influential Penn State Alumnae.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Zach

Penn Stater Named To Olympic Committee’s Centre for Safe Sport’s Inaugural Board

The Center for Safe Sport was recently created to tackle the issue of protecting America’s athletes. Penn State will be represented on the inaugural board by chief ethics and compliance officer Regis Becker.

A Valentine’s Day Trio Of Penn State Love Stories

Penn State To Celebrate 161st Birthday Next Week