Davon Townley appears to be getting comfortable at new defensive position
Penn State’s depth at the defensive tackle position took a hit this week with a season-ending injury to one of its newest additions from the transfer portal. But one player who pulled himself out of the transfer portal may be just what was needed to help keep the position in good condition for the 2023 college football season. Davon Townley’s move from defensive end to defensive tackle appears to be going well, which has to be an encouraging sign for the upcoming season in Happy Valley.
Townley was among the players who received praise from those attending Penn State’s open football practice on a stormy Saturday night, three weeks before the start of the season. Townley has gone through the spring practice season, summer, and fall camp with the intent of making a successful transition from defensive end to defensive tackle, and the results so far have reportedly been pleasing.
Penn State lost defensive tackle Alonzo Ford to an unspecified season-ending injury last week. The defensive tackle addition from the transfer portal was a standout player for Old Dominion in the Sun Belt Conference last season and was expected to thrive as a rotational piece or backup option with the Nittany Lions. Ford can use his redshirt season this year to retain two years of eligibility, but Penn State still has to hope its defensive tackle stability is intact this season. Townley thriving with a new position could not have come at a better time.
Townley entered the transfer portal following the 2022 season to explore potential options to play elsewhere. But after some time in the portal, Townley withdrew his name from the NCAA transfer portal database to remain at Penn State. The former four-star recruit then began shifting his focus from the end of the line to the interior position as Penn State looks solid on defensive end depth but could use a little more help on the inside.
Penn State’s top defensive tackles will likely be Hakeem Beamon and Dvon Ellies with Zane Durant and Jordan van den Berg among the top secondary options at the position. Penn State has used a variety of combinations with these four players in practices so expect to see a bit of a mix and match at the position this season, Townley will likely benefit from an opportunity for a few more snaps with Ford sidelines due to injury. Coziah Izzard will be another key name for the position.
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