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Penn State Football: 3 Players with most to prove this offseason

By Michael Hanich

Nov 7, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts to a play against the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts to a play against the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Beaver Stadium during a White Out game for Penn State – 1 PSU Michigan whiteout
Beaver Stadium during a White Out game for Penn State – 1 PSU Michigan whiteout /

3. Arnold Ebiketie – Weakside Defensive End

The defense for the Nittany Lions had some good and some bad moments this past season. The defense was ranked 55th in the nation in points allowed per game (27.7) despite being ranked in the top 25 in total defense (16th) and passing defense (20th). Through nine games, the defense for Penn State only accounted for 21 total sacks. It will go into this upcoming season without three of their sack leaders from last year.

Incoming Temple Owls transfer Arnold Ebiketie looks to make an impact immediately for the Nittany Lions. He will likely be starting at the weakside defensive end opposite Adisa Isaac when the 2021 college football season kicks off. He is projected to be one of the three recruits to have an impact immediately.

Ebiketie had a breakout season for the Owls in 2020 despite their poor overall record of 1-6. Ebiketie accounted for 42 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss (team-high), four sacks (team-high), and three forced fumbles (team-high). Ebiketie could be the most impactful and the best defender for Penn State on the defensive line since Gross-Matos.

With this perspective, he will have to face the struggles of carrying a defense on his back in his first and only year with the team. Isaac was projected to create an impact in the pass rush game this past season until his reps and productivity decreased.

He will have that chance to bounce back under a more stable college football season this next fall but he will not have to carry the pressure of the defensive efficiency on him. Ebiketie’s worth for the NFL will be determined by how well he puts significant pressure on the opposing offenses this upcoming season.

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