Penn State's competition at the vacant safety spot next to Marcus Allen will be an interesting storyline in the buildup to the 2017 season. Malik Golden is gone, and no clear successor has emerged just yet from a pool of players that includes Troy Apke, Ayron Monroe, Nick Scott and John Petrishen. The door is open at least a crack for a talented young player to force the issue for playing time.
Four-star safety Jonathan Sutherland is a heavy hitter with a chance to turn heads when he arrives this summer. The 6-0, 195-pound prospect is aggressive in everything he does and could make a leap after spending time in Penn State's strength and conditioning program.