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Following is a preseason series on Penn State's position groups and a key player to watch from each:
Secondary
Player to watch: Marcus Neal Jr. (No. 31)
Class: Junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 216 pounds
Career to this point: Started 12 games for Iowa State last year and made a team-leading 77 tackles (40 solo) and 11 for loss. Projected by Phil Steele as a fourth-team All-American, the Lions' highest rated defener.
Quotable: "I take pride in being able to read offenses and just keep growing in my knowledge of the game and just being very physical, being able to run. I'm very grateful for my athletic abilities that God gave me, to be able to run, jump and stuff like that, and I wouldn't be here without him." -- Marcus Neal Jr.
FYI: Nicknamed "Shark" for his tenacity.
Others in the mix: This should be a strong position as three PSU holders -- corners Daryus Dixson (No. 5) and Audavion Collins (No. 2) are back, along with versatile nickel Zion Tracy (No. 7). The other safety is expected to be Iowa State transfer Jeremiah Cooper (No. 4), who is tied for sixth among active FBS players with 30 passes defensed. He also has eight career interceptions.
Next up: Special teams