Penn State Spring Position Previews: Nittany Lions return fierce DE room
When Penn State hired defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, it knew it was getting a coach that liked to bring the heat. The Nittany Lions did just that in year one under Diaz, fielding a fast, aggressive defense that led the Big Ten in sacks with 43 on the season.
With key starters returning across the defensive line, Penn State's front four could look even scarier in Year two under Diaz. Here's how the defensive ends stack up entering 2023.
KEY TRIO RETURNING FOR THE NITTANY LIONS
Chop Robinson was a revelation last season, leading defensive ends with 5.5 sacks despite some injuries and a slow start to the year. The Maryland transfer was a big energy boost on the line and looks to be the main pass-rushing threat for the Nittany Lions this season. Robinson was also Pro Football Focus's highest-rated pass rusher last year and has a chance to be even better in 2023.
On the other side of the line expects to be Adisa Isaac. The redshirt senior announced he would stay one more year, which is a tremendous boon to Penn State's defensive line. Last year, Isaac recovered from a season-ending injury he suffered in 2021, posting four sacks and starting in all 12 games. Now two years removed from his achilles tear, Isaac could be in for a big season.
Even with Isaac and Robinson returning, one player who could push them for playing time is Dani Dennis-Sutton. A consensus top-100 recruit in the nation, Dennis-Sutton impressed as a rotational player in his true freshman season and should continue to improve in Happy Valley. If all goes to plan, the Maryland native could be earning starter-level reps throughout the year before becoming a full-time starter for the Nittany Lions in 2024. He also is arguably the biggest wild card on the defensive line, if his development continues, Dennis-Sutton has a chance to be the best defensive end on the Nittany Lions roster.
Vilbert makes return
As a redshirt sophomore, Smith Vilbert turned heads with his three-sack performance in the Outback Bowl against Arkansas. After that, though, Vilbert wouldn't see the field again until the Rose Bowl against Utah.
Missing almost the entire 2022-23 season was a big setback for Vilbert, who likely would've seen plenty of playing time as a rotational end.
Now a redshirt senior, Vilbert has the opportunity to be a difference-maker for Penn State. He'll likely start as a rotational guy, but having that kind of veteran talent off the bench is a huge asset for this defense.
Other players to watch
A pair of players that have sat behind star talent at Penn State, Amin Vanover, and Zuriah Fisher will likely have to wait another year before they get meaningful playing time.
Vanover was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals and was able to notch his first career sack last season. He looks to be a depth option again, but the talent is certainly there for him to make an impact when he hits the field.
Fisher redshirted last season but also brings plenty of upside as a former three-star recruit. The Aliquippa, Pa. product has excellent intangibles and certainly could start down the line for Penn State - he missed most of last season after suffering a knee injury last spring before returning at the tail end of the season.
The final defensive end on the roster this spring is redshirt junior Jake Wilson. The Nazareth (PA) native played in all 13 games last season for the Nittany Lions, mostly on special teams but did record a tackle against Rutgers.
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