Penn State has a long a successful history of producing defensive line players that have taken their skill to the next level. According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt current Nittany Lion DaQuan Jones is the No. 1 senior defensive tackle in the nation and could have all the tools to make the jump to the NFL.
“The play of the 6-foot-3 1/2, 330-pound Jones was a big reason why the Nittany Lions won eight games during the 2012 season. He is a strong player with good speed (5.15 seconds in the 40-yard dash) for the position.” Brandt said.
Brandt might be giving Jones a little too much credit for Penn State’s success last year with only 22 total tackles, but there is no doubt that Jones possesses the upside that could help step his game up a notch.
Former Nittany Lions star Devon Still only truly exploded on to the scene in his final season in Happy Valley in 2011. The All-American was a crucial part of the Nittany Lions’ interior defense and was eventually recognized as the Big Ten defensive player of the year. Still was picked up by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of that year’s draft.
In 2012 Jordan Hill made his claim for the NFL after a strong senior season saw him dominate opponents on the front line. Hill was eventually drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
How Jones will play in 2013 is still up in the air with training camp just under a week away, but there is no doubt that the Nittany Lion senior could explode on to the scene. Coach Bill O’Brien would be happy to see that too as the Nittany Lions look to replace a handful of key defensive leaders in 2013.
