Penn State Football: 3 keys for successful 2020 season

1. Fixing the secondary

The Nittany Lions’ secondary was exposed in the latter half of the season, especially in their loss to Minnesota. Even in a win against Indiana the following week, the Lions still gave up over 400 yards through the air. Having a better secondary is arguably the most crucial piece to Penn State finding success this fall.

The cornerbacks should be solid. John Reid is gone after a 2019 that saw him return to form after a season ending injury in 2017. It was enough to get him drafted in the fourth round of this year’s NFL Draft. However there is still plenty of experience and talent returning.

Tariq Castro-Fields decided to return for his senior season which will be a big boost to the team and his potential draft stock. Castro-Fields recorded 52 tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass breakups a year ago and he’ll be looking for more this season.

After an injury that knocked him out of the Pitt game and the rest of the season, Donovan Johnson returns to the lineup at the other cornerback spot. Look for rising stars Marquis Wilson and Keaton Ellis to see plenty of time in reserve roles.

The safety position is where a ton of improvement needs to happen. No question Lamont Wade and Jaquan Brisker will be the starters. Wade was much improved over the season and towards the end of the year he finally looked like the former five-star recruit that he was. Brisker has the tools to be great and he recorded four pass breakups and two interceptions last season.

This unit has potential to be great if they correct the mistakes from a year ago. It will need to be great as the success of the defense and the team as a whole is dependent on a lockdown in the pass defense.