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Linebackers
(Sixth in a series of Penn State position previews.)
Returning starters: All three LBs are back in Abdul Carter, Curtis Jacobs, and Tyler Elsdon. Much like a lot of the defense, there is a lot of experience, and partly why the defense is so highly regarded in the preseason.
Key losses: Jonathan Sutherland and Charlie Katshir both graduated, but Sutherland spent most of his career as a safety. Katshir appeared in just six games last year. Otherwise, everyone is back.
Keep an eye on: Kobe King appeared in every game last season as a redshirt freshman and made 41 tackles. Dominic DeLuca did a fine job on special teams and earned himself a scholarship over the offseason. There are a couple young guys in true freshmen Tony Rojas and Kaveion Keys that were highly touted coming out of high school. Rojas looked good in the Blue-White Game.
Statistically speaking: Carter joined Deion Barnes, now the defensive line coach, as the only PSU freshmen to have 10-plus tackles for loss and six-plus sacks in a season. Penn State led the Big Ten in sacks a season ago, and the starting LBs combined racked up 13.5 of them.
Manny Diaz: "With Abdul's talent, if he does simple things in a simple manner, it will look extraordinary to the outside eye. That's what very talented people do."
What to expect: It's called Linebacker U for a reason. The LBS could be some of the best in the conference this season -- and several (Carter, Rojas) are underclassmen.
WEDNESDAY: Running backs
-- Andy Stine