For the first time since Terry Smith took over as interim head coach, Penn State opened up practice to the media for a brief viewing session.
Unlike other practice sessions, only the defense was on the practice field, while the offense operated inside Holuba Hall and didn’t emerge until members of the media were departing. It’s unclear if that trend will continue in future weeks, but it was clear the team was attempting to conceal something, whether it was scheme- or personnel-related.
Here’s what the defense worked on during the viewing window on a dreary Tuesday afternoon.
Linebackers
In his first year as linebackers coach, Dan Connor has already been challenged by the long-term injury to starter Tony Rojas, which has proven difficult to fill. The program’s all-time leading tackler continued working on developing the many inexperienced players in his room, with a focus on maintaining leverage.
Connor’s unit worked on maintaining wide stances with outside leverage, keeping feet pointed forward toward the gap instead of toward the blocker. After expletive-filled directions from Connor and a demonstration, the linebackers practiced twice against a tackle sled, once from each side, before practicing against each other.
After pushing into the sled, the linebackers broke off and scooped up a rolling yoga ball, simulating shedding a block and tackling a ball-carrier.
Connor critiqued freshman LaVar Arrington II’s footwork, making him redo the first drill. Later, when he practiced against Amare Campbell, Connor praised him for a good rep.
Toward the end of the viewing session, interim head coach Terry Smith came out and watched the group in silence, jotting down notes into a notepad.
Defensive line
The Nittany Lions’ defensive line, absent defensive end Zuriah Fisher, who left Saturday’s game against Iowa in the second quarter with an injury, went to work in the corner of the field.
The unit paired off and pushed back blocking sleds, with an emphasis on driving their feet, before stepping away to shed the block.
Defensive backs
On the far side of the field, away from view, Penn State’s defensive backs seemed to work on tackling using a rolling foam tire under the watch of new interim cornerbacks coach Jordan Lucas.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles spent an extended time watching that unit in silence before rotating over to the other position groups.
