Penn State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Linebacker Jason Cabinda #40 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tackles wide receiver Adoree’ Jackson #2 of the USC Trojans in the first half of the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Tournament of Roses – Pool/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starting outside linebackers: Manny Bowen, Cam Brown
Backups: Koa Farmer, Jake Cooper

Bowen is a lock to start after posting 67 tackles and 8.5 TFLs last season — the latter of which was second-best on the team — but the other spot is still up for grabs. Cam Brown, who played in 13 games as a freshman is the most likely candidate to replace standout Brandon Bell, but Farmer and Cooper will both see quite a bit of playing time.

Starting middle linebacker: Jason Cabinda
Backup: Brandon Smith

Cabinda is undoubtedly one of Penn State’e’s best defensive players, and could have put up eye-popping numbers last season if he had stayed healthy. The senior will be the leader of the unit and an All-Big Ten candidate, but don’t sleep on walk-on Brandon Smith either. Smith won’t start, but he racked up 37.5 tackles along with a pair of interceptions in backup duty in 2016.

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