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Roundtable: Who Will Be Penn State’s Breakout Player on Defense in 2021?

Related Topics: Brandon Smith, Joey Porter

Lando: LB Curtis Jacobs

Brandon Smith having a great year is, for me, a foregone conclusion, so I’ll go with one of his projected fellow starters at linebacker. Jacobs hails from Glen Burnie, MD (not a bad place to go to school, imo), and should have a chance to disrupt opposing offenses given the known quantity that is Brandon Smith. His range and toughness will help make the defense one of the most athletic in several seasons.

Chris: Joey Porter, Jr.

Not unlike Washington, Joey had a solid 2020 campaign, logging 33 tackles, two TFLs, one sack, and four passes defended.