Tyler Elsdon
Measurables: 6’2″ / 236 lbs.
Year: Redshirt Junior
Expected Role: Backup Middle Linebacker
The middle linebacker is the biggest position battle taking place over the spring and summer. This is really the only linebacking starting position up for grabs. Tyle Elsdon was involved in a battle with Kobe King last offseason and won the battle. He recorded 44 tackles and 3.5 for loss with one sack.
It wasn’t quite the production that the Penn State program and fans have become accustomed to from their middle linebacker. As highlighted in the Kobe King section, Elsdon was outplayed by his backup according to PFF. Elsdon’s overall grade was 50.3 compared to King’s 55.9. He also ranked 740th out of 787 linebackers with a 46.9 run defense grade.
This isn’t to completely dismiss Elsdon. There is certainly a role for him on the defense and he will be splitting time with King. This is just to highlight what coaches are evaluating for their defense during this offseason. And who knows, maybe Elsdon has a great spring and summer to win the starting job again, but right now he’s projected as the backup.
Dominic DeLuca
Measurables: 6’1″ / 209 lbs.
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Expected Role: Backup Strongside Linebacker
[autotag]Dominic DeLuca[/autotag] is one of the best stories in the Penn State program right now. He was a walk-on player in the 2020 class and came in as a 190 pound safety. He was moved to linebacker and was redshirted his freshman season not playing a single snap. Last year, he was in a backup and special teams role. He finished with 29 total tackles, two for a loss, one sack and a blocked kick.
While he didn’t have a lot of overall snaps last year, he graded out very well according to PFF. It will be very interesting to see how DeLuca progresses in the offseason. He’s currently a little undersized for Big Ten linebacker, but showed that he can make an impact. He’s going to be in a battle for the backup role with redshirt junior [autotag]Tyrece Mills[/autotag] who is coming back from injury.
But the best news for DeLuca during the offseason came when coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] gave him a scholarship!
In case you didn’t hear… Dom DeLuca is now on scholarship 🥹🙌 #WeAre | @Dominic_DeLuca9 pic.twitter.com/YKGeKZ2sTy
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) January 7, 2023
Keon Wylie
Measurables: 6’2″ / 206 lbs.
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Expected Role: Backup Weakside Linebacker
[autotag]Keon Wylie[/autotag] was a three-star recruit in the class of 2022 according to the 247Sports database. He played in only four games last season to preserve his redshirt status. Due to that, his stat line was small, recording two total tackles and a half sack. Wylie is expected to come into the season weighing 220 pounds.
It will be interesting to see how Wylie is used next season. He’s expected to be the primary backup to Carter at the will linebacker position, so he will be on the field at times. Because he got so little time on the field last season, he might be coming into the season as the biggest unknown at the position. He was offered by multiple Power 5 conferences around the country so he’s expected to have big upside.