Heading into the 2022 college football season will see Penn State replacing a number of key players on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive line loses two players to the NFL but appears to be in solid shape overall with the return of a healthy [autotag]PJ Mustipher[/autotag] and a stable of defensive linemen ready to step into notable roles. Among those to keep an eye on in the middle may be [autotag]Dvon Ellies[/autotag], a redshirt junior who may not be a starter but could have an impact on the success of the defense this season.
Ellies could be the top backup at defensive tackle behind Mustipher, but it would not be shocking to see Ellies get involved in some big moments given his ability to make a big play when he is on the field. Penn State caught some really glimpses of what Ellies could do in an otherwise forgettable Outback Bowl at the end of the 2021 season. New defensive coordinator [autotag]Manny Diaz[/autotag] should be excited about finding ways for Ellies to contribute to the defensive effort this season.