First-year Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz opens up about each level of Nittany Lions defense

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State coach James Franklin is in his ninth season with the Nittany Lions, but this is his first season without Brent Pry.

The former PSU defensive coordinator is now Virginia Tech’s head coach. Manny Diaz was Franklin’s choice to replace Pry.

Diaz, formerly the Miami head coach, has an extensive background as a DC. He discussed all three levels of the Lions’ 2022 defense during Penn State Media Day at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

Diaz sounded like he was comfortable with either Tyler Elsdon or Kobe King as his starting middle linebacker.

Ellis Brooks has moved on. Diaz will choose between Elsdon or King as the starter, and he is in no hurry.

“The middle linebacker is the quarterback of the defense,” Diaz said. “The first thing you gotta know is, you gotta know where to get lined up and you gotta know on run game where to stick your nose. … If you don’t know whether to be in the ‘A’ gap or ‘B’ gap, the whole defense falls apart.

“It’s about who can do that the most consistently. Both guys can do it, both guys can play and I think they both have the confidence they can play. … We’re not making any judgment right now. We don’t have to.”

Cornerback and safety are two of the Lions’ deepest positions, and Diaz isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers.

“We want to have depth in the secondary,” Diaz said. “We want competition. I think that’s the whole key. You want players to not feel secure because growth happens when you’re uncomfortable and the best way to be uncomfortable is to look at that bench and realize if you slip up and don’t bring your ‘A’ game one day, somebody else is going to go in for you.”

Diaz knows veteran defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, who has recovered from a significant knee injury he suffered last fall, is one of Penn State’s most irreplaceable players.

“You feel PJ’s presence for who he is as a person,” Diaz said. “Everyone on that football team has got great respect for PJ. (He’s) like a coach on the field.

“Now when the ball’s snapped, you see where he’s had so much success. … So strong at the point of attack, understands blocks, understands how to hold point but can finish a play in the backfield, too.”

A healthy Adisa Isaac plus the addition of Maryland transfer Chop Robinson has transformed Penn State’s defensive end room.

“He’s got that juice off the edge,” Diaz said of Isaac. “Then you’ve got a guy like Chop Robinson. The other guys are all getting better, as well. You’ve got a guy like Nick Tarburton, always dependable.

“We are a different animal at defensive end. … We’re still a long way from where we want to go.”