Penn State football has one of the best defensive line units in the country in 2023

Headed into the 2023 season, it’s clear that the Penn State football team is going to be loaded on the defensive line. It’s a strength of the team and it’s an area that has a lot of experienced depth. Recently promoted defensive line coach Deion Barnes has already passed his first test of recruiting at a high level this summer. Now, the attention goes to how can he get the most out of his players so they can be as productive as possible on the field this fall.

Penn State football has one of the best DL units in the country in 2023

The Nittany Lions were ranked 7th most talented defensive lines in the country according to 247sports. While this assessment may seem fair to some, I believe they are not getting enough credit before this season begins. Of course, this unit had a letdown last season at Michigan, but outside of that game, they proved to be one of the most dominant units in the country.

7 feels too low, this defensive line unit is going to feast this season 😤

📸: 247sports pic.twitter.com/HaztV9KskZ

— The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) August 1, 2023

They will be led by Chop Robinson who was just named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, which goes to the best defensive player in college football. On the opposite side of the defensive line is veteran Adisa Isaac who just attended the Big Ten Media Days on behalf of the Penn State football team. Isaac led the team in tackles for loss with 11 last season. Then, as a reserve, the Nittany Lions have former five-star recruit Dani Dennis-Sutton who had 3 sacks in 2022.

At defensive tackle, Penn State will be led by veterans Hakeem Beamon who led the defensive line with 4 pass breakups last season, Dvon Ellies, Coziah Izzard, Alonzo Ford, and sophomore Zane Durant who is primed for a breakout season in 2022.

If Deion Barnes can find the perfect rotation at the defensive line during the games early on Penn State’s schedule, this could be one of the best defensive line units in the country by the end of 2023. Nothing beats the roar of the crowd at Beaver Stadium when the Nittany Lions come up with a massive stop on defense.

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