Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Will Adrian Amos Play Some Snaps at Linebacker?

Two themes have been constant topics of conversation concerning Penn State’s defense throughout the offseason, and both were again discussed at Big Ten Media Days.

The first topic is a depth issue at the linebacker position. A spring shoulder injury to sophomore Ben Kline and Zayd Issah’s legal trouble along with the departure of Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges left the Nittany Lions talented but scary thin when it comes to the position.

The second talking point is where Adrian Amos will line up in 2013. Amos played cornerback during his first two seasons in blue and white but was often seen practicing at safety during spring drills.

Following the Blue-White game, defensive coordinator John Butler said he would enter summer practice as a starting safety, something that a June depth chart confirmed.

Is it possible that Bill O’Brien has found a link to solve a numbers issue with versatility?

The coach had an interesting response Wednesday when asked about depth on defense.

“Again, we’ve got to look at all the different players we have on defense as it relates to the linebacker position, what can a guy like Adrian Amos do?” said O’Brien.  “Can he play safety?  Can he play corner?  Can he play linebacker?  Stephen Obeng, can he come down and play some linebacker for us.”

O’Brien later clarified and expanded on the comment a bit more.

“Amos will be a safety for us but can he do some things down in the box?” said O’Brien. “We just kinda sit in there and talk about different scenarios.”

While it might be a bit surprising, O’Brien is not the first person to throw the idea out there. Malcolm Willis mentioned in the spring that he thought Amos could line up at linebacker if he wanted to.

The official Penn State roster lists Amos at 6-foot and 211 pounds. The 6-foot-3, 240 pound Glenn Carson would tower over him, but starting outside linebacker Mike Hull is listed at 6-foot, 226 pounds, only 15 pounds heavier than Amos.

Other linebackers on the roster expected to play a role in the defense are all bigger than Amos including 6-foot-1, 240 pound Nyeem Wartman, 6-foot-2, 227 pound Ben Kline, and 6-foot-2, 233 pound Gary Wooten. Incoming freshman Brandon Bell is not yet listed on the official roster but measures in at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds on his Rivals recruiting page.

Amos would no doubt be a bit undersized for the position and won’t be lining up there regularly, but given how he has been treated and talked about this spring, it will be fascinating to locate him in pre-snap alignments and see where he lines up once the season gets underway.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Drew Balis

Drew is a senior marketing major. This fall, he will be covering Penn State Football for Onward State. He is a huge Philadelphia sports fan and loves THON and Domonic Brown.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
157kFollowers
55.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
State College Links
Other posts by Drew

McGloin Named NFL Rookie of the Week

The former Penn State record setting quarterback took home Pepsi Rookie of the Week honors following his impressive first NFL start that resulted in a 28-23 win for the Oakland Raiders on the road against the Houston Texans.

Willis and Carson Talk Differences Between Butler and Roof

Malcolm Willis: “It’s Still Us Against The World”

[Photo Story] Penn State vs. Northwestern

After a soggy football Saturday, we rounded up our favorite photos from Penn State’s win over Northwestern.

Penn State Relay For Life Raises $41,519.93 Virtually

The event was done virtually this year due to the coronavirus, however many teams still participated in the event remotely.

Where To Eat In State College Late At Night: Your Penn State Drunk Food Guide

From tacos to pizza to egg rolls, State College has it all when it comes to late-night drunk food.

[Photo Story] Penn State vs. Northwestern

After a soggy football Saturday, we rounded up our favorite photos from Penn State’s win over Northwestern.

[Photo Story] Penn State vs. Northwestern

After a soggy football Saturday, we rounded up our favorite photos from Penn State’s win over Northwestern.

No. 11 Penn State Survives, Downs Northwestern 17-7

The Nittany Lions grinded through some ugly weather to advance to 5-0 on the season.

Gameday Coverage: No. 11 Penn State vs. Northwestern

Get ready for some ugly weather in Happy Valley.

 
Send this to a friend