Penn State linebackers expect dramatic improvement with Brandon Smith changing positions

Apr. 6—Penn State expected a dip in the performance of its linebackers after All-American Micah Parsons opted out of the 2020 season.

The Nittany Lions, though, didn't expect the position to be the weakest link of their defense, like it was during their historic 0-5 start.

"We just dropped the ball in general as far as what we needed to do and what we wanted to do," outside linebacker Brandon Smith said Tuesday. "That's all it is. We can't make excuses as far as not having spring ball.

"We knew the job that we had to complete. We didn't complete it. That's cut and dry how it was."

Smith and the rest of the linebackers are optimistic they can make a dramatic improvement this year.

Smith, a first-time starter as a sophomore last year, was moved from strong-side (Sam) linebacker to the weak side (Will) at the start of spring practice. That will allow him to play closer to the line of scrimmage with chances to make a greater impact against the run, just like Parsons did in 2018-19.

"I definitely feel that there is a difference," he said, "as far as being able to make more plays just (based on) where I'm lined up on the field. But for the most part, it's all about your will and your want to be able to make plays."

The 6-3, 240-pound Smith, a former five-star prospect, played well in the final four games last season, helping Penn State hold Michigan, Rutgers, Michigan State and Illinois to 18.3 points and 289.5 total yards per game. He set career highs with eight tackles and three for loss and recovered a fumble in the season-ending win over the Illini.

It was not a coincidence that he saw time at Will when the Lions used five defensive backs in those games.

"There were definitely some things that I could have done differently towards the beginning of the season," he said. "In the final part of the season I had one of my better games against Illinois. But there's still room to grow."

If Smith is on the weak side in the fall, it's unclear who will be on the strong side. Jesse Luketa took over Parsons' spot on the weak side last year, but he struggled with several missed tackles. Ellis Brooks started every game in the middle and led the team with 60 tackles, but he was not consistent.

Add Curtis Jacobs, a four-star linebacker in the Class of 2020, to the mix and there are seemingly three players vying for two positions. The 6-1, 227-pound Jacobs played behind Smith last year at the Will position and might be best suited for the Sam spot.

"He has that defensive back type of background," Smith said. "His movements and everything definitely show that he's meant for that position. Even when he comes back in the box, he's able to beat blockers and be efficient.

"The Sam position is a tricky position to explain because there's so much that you do. He's not limited at all in his abilities. That's really why he's there. He's definitely one to look out for."

The same can be said about Smith, who seems poised to have a breakout season at a position where Penn State can better take advantage of his playmaking ability.

"Brandon's got a great work ethic and has worked through some challenges," defensive coordinator Brent Pry said late last year. "I think he is turning the corner. You're gonna see him flash and do some really nice things. You're still going to see some areas where he's got to grow and be better, but I see improvement in him every week."

Smith led the team with eight tackles for loss last year, but he had only 37 tackles overall in nine games. He understands that the Lions need him to increase his production. He said he feels a sense of urgency going into his third year.

"The time is definitely now as far as what I personally need to do," he said. "For the most part, I'm just doing what I need to do within the framework of the defense and making sure everything works out fine."