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SECONDARY
(Fifth in a series of Penn State position previews.)
Returning starters: Kalen King emerged as one of the better corners in the country, playing opposite Joey Porter Jr., but Johnny Dixon also made six starts, giving the Lions an experienced tandem. State College native Keaton Ellis started every game at safety.
Key losses: Porter held down one side and wasn't targeted much. He'll likely start for the Steelers, who took him in the second round. Ji'Ayir Brown (third round, 49ers) ably manned the safety position for two years with 10 career interceptions and was an excellent leader.
Keep an eye on: King is being talked about as a high-first round draft pick so Dixon will probably see more interception opportunities. Ellis and Jaylen Reed are the projected starters at safety, but nickel back Daequan Hardy is usually around the ball and has shown the knack for the big play.
Statistically speaking: The Lions operate well in tight quarters, having led the Big Ten in red-zone defense last year.
James Franklin: "I'm not necessarily saying that the starters are going to be better because Ji'Ayir Brown was a hell of a player. I don't necessarily expect one person to replace his production. What you hope is, among that group, that we can get that type of production as a group."
What to expect: One of Franklin's first hires, cornerback coach and ace recruiter Terry Smith has developed 10 draft picks in the last six years, second most in the nation during that span. The Lions are putting their corners on an island frequently, and they've handled the challenge, making the secondary a position of strength.
TUESDAY: Linebackers
-- Neil Rudel