Story by
Caleb Bacon makes key positional change during fall camp
- Story by
- Caleb Bacon makes key positional change during fall camp
When Caleb Bacon came to Happy Valley, many thought that he would be one of the leaders of the new look linebacking corps. While Tony Rojas was returning, Matt Campbell got insurance from the portal in the form of Bacon, Kooper Ebel , and Cael Brezina . However, during the start of fall camp, Campbell has made an interesting adjustment that could help clarify two specific defensive position groups. In new DC D'anton Lynn's 4-2-5 setup, Caleb Bacon has started out as an edge during fall camp reps.
While this could be temporary, it could make sense in the long run for the Nittany Lions . As there is no third linebacker spot in their new look base defense, Bacon may have no other choice but to take snaps at an edge position. It's not like he is unfamiliar with the positional change, as in a 3-3-5 system, as he took snaps in both the slot and off the edge. Now though, there could be a sense of permanence as both Tony Rojas and Kooper Ebel establish themselves as the two off-ball linebackers in the system.
Advertisement
For Campbell, his thinking on the switch didn't stem from necessity, but from Bacon's versatility. "As we got through spring, we kind of felt like we'd be missing the boat not to add his multiplicity. He's a great edge player. He certainly has the ability to slide back and play MIKE or WILL linebacker at times… We felt like we gave him so many reps in the spring at linebacker we'd be missing the boat not to start him off in fall camp on the edge", Campbell said of Bacon .
What with questions surrounding the return of backup LB Alex Tatsch and defensive lineman Ikenna Ezeogu also moving to edge, there are still some things that the Nittany Lions have to figure out. But with Bacon having the ability to adapt, chances are they can become very versatile on the defensive side of the ball.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Caleb Bacon makes key positional change during fall camp
