The Lions' Pride

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Wow until reading that our depth at LB didn't really hit me. We have a lot of potential but not a lot of experience. LJ and Vandy will have them ready though!

Now, I'm no soothsayer, but I have a really good feeling about Ben Kline....don't ask me why, but I think he might surprise us this year.

The starters are going to be sick.... We are so damn thin back there though!!!

Issah is still raw, so I'd personally like to see him redshirt. I feel like Bell could be ready to play. He looked like he was a good size in his film.

I'm excited about Wartman.

Despite the inexperience, I think Penn State is set up well to transition the next couple of years. Carson is the leader of the unit this year while a couple younger players get experience. Then the next year we'll have a senior in Hull and at least a couple other LB's who have played a significant amount.

I think Kline will be more of the "ole reliable" type LB and Wartman has the greater upside. I have been saying dont sleep on Kline winning out early while Wartman picks up the game a bit more out there and doesnt let that speed and athleticism carry him out of plays(happened in his limited time out there last year). That said, I have very high hopes for Nyeem as time goes on. Kid just looks the part and has the tools imo. I remember watching Bowman go through a similar transition as a RS Frosh(disclaimer: comparison begins and ends in this instance with regards to getting out of position too frequently at a young age)

You're joking, right?

I hope you all are right about Kline, but I thought he looked a little weak last year. There were a number of times that he got run over or struggled making tackles. Coming off shoulder surgery won't help him in the strength department. I know he is young and really hope he steps it up, but I have some concerns. I’m not too worried about Kline and Wartman getting themselves out of position at times as they will improve in this area with experience. I’m really excited to see Hull step up and Carson to step out of the shadows and really shine.

Coach in a tough spot, being thin at positions yet needing to go full go in Spring to see what we've got. Can't afford any injuries but we need to see who's going to step up and be the man.

With all the run-ons we signed, I think someone will step-up and be a pleasant surprise at LB. We'll need them for depth, that's for true.

Right now, he's in the two deep but obviously has some work to do to surpass Hull, Carson, or Wartman on the depth chart. To say not to expect much from him this year is a strong understatement, IMO. I think he'll see some quality PT and if one of the starting three gets injured, he may be the next man in line.