Penn State has taken another hit to its defensive depth.
Sophomore linebacker Alex Tatsch is out for the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports including Steve Jones on the weekly Penn State Coaches Show on Tuesday evening. Head coach Matt Campbell had stated earlier on Tuesday morning “we still don’t know” how long Tatsch will be out for after he missed the USC game this past Saturday.
Though not a starter, the Latrobe native saw a rotational role on the Nittany Lions’ two-deep this season, appearing for 104 snaps with 11 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He was one of only four linebackers to see playing time through three Big Ten games, along with Tony Rojas, Kooper Ebel and Cael Brezina.
Penn State is already lacking depth at the second level, with Caleb Bacon and LaVar Arrington II converting to defensive ends in the offseason. Additionally, linebacker Cam Smith was out last Saturday against the Trojans, but Campbell said he’s “working back into practice this week” which indicates he’ll be available against Michigan on Saturday.
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