Penn State’s Defensive Linemen Drawing Scouts Eyes

As the Nittany Lions get set to host Rutgers in prime time Saturday, three of their returning defensive lineman have begun to make big names for themselves. While we’ve all seen Anthony Zettel tackle a tree and draw late-first/early second round grades, his fellow lineman Carl Nassib and Austin Johnson have also stood out.

The former-walk on Nassib, who’s now a senior, has shown his leadership and on-field performance to be incredible. In his first two games, Nassib has 15 tackles, five and a half TFL, four sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. It’s a hard stat line to match in college football. He sits second in all of college football in sacks, which will surely catch people’s eyes outside of Happy Valley.

The highlight of Nassib’s season may not have been one of those  four sacks or that interception against Buffalo. During Penn State’s loss to Temple, Nassib gathered the entire team, not the defense, not the special teams, the entire Penn State football team around him. ESPN’s camera’s spotted Nassib passionately trying to reinvigorate the entire team. That, in my eyes, is just as important to see from a 22-year old than his 40 time.

Austin Johnson is Anthony Zettel’s counterpart on the inside of the defensive line. Known primarily as a run stuffer, Johnson is starting be breakout into more of a versatile role. He’s shown an ability to rush the quarterback, and has 1.5 sacks against Buffalo last week. Like Nassib, Johnson has 15 tackles and has been a great member of the line next to Zettel.

The lineman will now take on an embattled Rutgers squad (who’s head coach was recently suspended) in prime time at home. With the passionate 107,000 Penn State fans rallying around them, it’s hard to imagine anything but another solid performance from this defensive line. If Nassib can continue the domination he’s shown so far, his draft stock will take a major leap heading into the Senior Bowl.

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