Penn State football DE opens up about return to field after two years of injury battles

Missing an entire season of football is super challenging for any player. But missing practically two full seasons would make most players give up. But not Penn State football defensive end Smith Vilbert. Instead, the veteran Nittany Lion stayed positive and worked hard to return to showcasing his talent on the field. Last Saturday against West Virginia, he made his long-awaited debut.

Smith Vilbert is a name that should sound familiar to the Penn State football faithful. Against Arkansas in the 2022 Outback Bowl, he was one of the most disruptive defenders on the field. But, life had other plans in store for Vilbert. He has spent the past two seasons waiting for his moment.

In 2022, he missed the entire season except for the Rose Bowl where he did not register any stats. Then, last season he suffered a season-ending injury in fall camp. But, the now healthy pass rusher returned to action against West Virginia and made his presence known with a strip sack against Garrett Green.

“I remember walking out of the tunnel, I looked up and I just took that in,” Vilbert said. “Like you said, it’s been two years and I’ve missed playing football with my brothers. I missed being on the field.”

Giving up wasn’t an option for Vilbert

© Dan Rainville/USA Today Network

Anyone would understand if a player was out for back-to-back seasons if they wanted to step away from the game. But that wasn’t in the cards for the Penn State defensive end.

“Never that, there was never a doubt in my mind,” Vilbert stated. “Just tried to stay positive, stayed true to the course and that’s what’s going to come to fruition.”

Vilbert is a key rotation piece at edge rusher for the Nittany Lions defense. He is someone who can be an effective pass rusher and has worked incredibly hard to return to the field.

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