Manny Diaz settling in at Penn State, finding leaders on defense
Some thought that Manny Diaz would be an interesting pairing with head coach James Franklin but it seems he is fitting in perfectly so far.
247 Sports recently did an interview with the new Penn State defensive coordinator where he talked about how he is fitting in with his new team and also what he is expecting out of his defense. In the interview, he specifically discusses how the middle linebacker competition is going as well as a new emerging leader on the defense.
When discussing the middle linebacker battle between Tyler Elsdon and kobe king he mentions how Elsdon continues to “grow (and) feel more comfortable…” and that as he continues to play he sees him becoming a better fit.
With King, Diaz seemed very excited when talking about him saying “I think Kobe King is getting better every day, and really, I anticipate this being a battle…”. It seems that no matter who earns the job though that the defense should be in good hands.
This position battle should have a clearer picture after the Blue and White Game this month.
When discussing the leaders on defense Manny Diaz mentioned several players but he was most eager to discuss Ji’Ayir Brown. He gave a glowing review of what he has seen in his short time in State College saying of Brown as a leader that he is “not just vocally (a leader), but he certainly is a great vocal leader. If you want a guy that you’re honored to coach, it’s this guy. He just does everything the way you want him to do. If you had 11 of him, you wouldn’t need a coach”.
It appears that despite losing three notable starters to the NFL this year that the Penn State defense should still be firing on all cylinders this coming season. The Blue and White Game will be the most telling of it all at this point and that will also serve as everyone’s first exposure to what Manny Diaz can do with this roster.
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