Penn State practice notes and observations: What did we learn about the Lions’ defense Wednesday?

A trip to Northwestern awaits No. 6 Penn State this weekend. The Nittany Lions were back on the practice field Wednesday, and that included a period of time for reporters to watch the team in action as it prepares for its final game of September.

Learn what we saw from the offense here. Our notes on the defense are below.

Penn State defense notes and observations: Sept. 27

On the defensive side of the ball, it was business as usual for the Nittany Lions. The unit is fresh off a 31-0 shutout of Iowa on Saturday and they were loose out at practice on Wednesday afternoon. The group is also staying healthy. All expected on hand were present and accounted for on Wednesday. Knock on wood, but four games into the season that’s pretty stunning. Only three defensive players — redshirt freshman walk-on safety Jashaun Green and freshman defensive ends Mason Robinson and Joey Palko were listed on the availability report before the Iowa game.

– Penn State’s linebackers are the closest to the media viewing area and, for that reason, the most entertaining. Manny Diaz and Stacy Collins ran the group through an interception drill in which the linebackers would make diving plays on the ball onto a pad. There was a lot of camaraderie among the group, especially when Tony Rojas made a terrific play to scoop a pick. Dom Deluca was up next and he did not make the play, drawing playful jeers from Diaz and his teammates. Abdul Carter then stepped up to the drill and showed just how much more athletic he is than the rest of the group. Carter caught the ball maybe two feet off the ground and completed a front flip before hitting the pad. It was striking how easily he did it, too.

Checking in on the Lions’ linebackers

– Speaking of linebackers, overheard among the chatter between drills was freshman Kaveion Keys’ desire to wear No. 11 eventually. Carter gave him a look as to suggest that there’s more to wearing the sticks than simply requesting a number change. Speaking of freshmen, Ta’Mere Robinson nabbed a pick in individual drills that drew a cheer from his teammates. 

A focus on the Penn State safeties

– Redshirt freshman safety Mehki Flowers seemed to get some personal time with James Franklin during individual drills. From a distance, it seemed like a pretty stoic conversation that was more than the coach asking the player how his day was going. Flowers didn’t seem too pleased with the subject matter. Wearing a scout team jersey, he then went off with Anthony Poindexter for some side work. 

– Penn State’s safeties were involved with what looked to be a teaching session with a few defensive coaches. Last week, the group practiced with the linebackers for some extra box work to prepare for Iowa’s offense. This week it looked to be an exercise to deal with pick and rub routes in the slot and on the perimeter. Just something to keep in mind for the weekend. 

The post Penn State practice notes and observations: What did we learn about the Lions’ defense Wednesday? appeared first on On3.