By: Pasquale Tartaro, GoPSUSports.com
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Fresh off of a mid-season bye week, Penn State players and coaches met with the media ahead of Saturday's matchup with Illinois.
Head coach James Franklin spoke about linebacker Curtis Jacobs' progression and value as a versatile linebacker: He's always had the athleticism and the skills all the way back to the recruiting process, his ability to impact the game in high school on offense and defense, but to transition to a full-time linebacker at this level was an adjustment. He's gaining more and more confidence. I think he's getting more and more comfortable in how he fits into the defense and what plays that he needs to make, what plays he should make.
Through six games, Jacobs has recorded 20 tackles and showcased his closing speed. The sophomore was particularly disruptive against Iowa, tallying two tackles for loss (one sack), and a quarterback hit.
Along with playmakers Ellis Brooks and Brandon Smith, Penn State's linebackers will look to carry over their momentum as difference-makers into the second half of the season.
Senior linebacker and defensive end Jesse Luketa commended captain PJ Mustipher for his continued support of the team despite a season-ending injury: "It's been great having PJ out there. He has such a strong presence as far as his leadership and everything. Just his presence, being on the sideline...it's a joy to have."
Mustipher's ability to serve as a reliable interior presence within the defensive unit came to an abrupt halt when he sustained an unspecified lower leg injury in the first quarter of a loss at Iowa.
However, Mustipher has further demonstrated the qualities that propelled him to be voted as a team captain, and remains a valuable asset for the Nittany Lions moving forward.
Sharing responsibility with his teammates in the trenches, sophomore tight end Theo Johnson discussed the importance of the Penn State offense continuing to improve its rushing attack:"I think the running game is important regardless of who is at quarterback. I think that we still have a lot to prove in the run game. We have all of the tools… every week, it's something that we put a lot of emphasis on."
Redshirt junior offensive lineman Bryce Effner: "I think all of our tight ends have been an amazing component in our offense. I think they're all amazing blockers. Coach Howle… I think he's brought a great "X" factor to the tight ends this year."
Through just six games, Penn State's trio of Johnson, Brenton Strange and Tyler Warren have contributed in a multitude of ways. Moreover, the Fighting Illini, along with Penn State's remaining opponents, will need to be wary of the versatility each of Penn State's tight ends possess.
