The next star at Linebacker U.? Penn State is on the spot heading into the spring

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Nittany Lions' leading linebacker loves to gab, the words almost flying too fast at times.

Jason Cabinda always seems willing to share his opinion long and loud but always with a feel-good intensity during meetings with the media.

So the next great linebacker at Penn State?

He was asked about the subject repeatedly during the week leading up to the Fiesta Bowl victory over Washington, and he smiled and lit up each time. And it will be arguably the most-watched developments of spring practice, which begins next month.

Cabinda, Penn State's top tackler last year, learned from former standout Mike Hull who learned from Mike Mauti. Mauti learned from legends before him: NaVorro Bowman, Sean Lee and Paul Posluszny.

Cabinda didn't hesitate when asked about a position that has been marred by injuries, defections and recruiting misses the past few years.

The position at Penn State.

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He mentioned junior Koa Farmer, a first-year starter and converted safety. He talked about sophomore Cam Brown, the odd 6-foot-5 linebacker who's still learning and growing into his body.

He was asked about Harrisburg true freshman Micah Parsons, who just arrived on campus in January. Some predict he will get a shot at the starting middle linebacker spot this summer.

Then Cabinda focused on a guy no one has really seen yet: redshirt freshman Ellis Brooks. He's a 6-foot-1, 235-pound middle linebacker hopeful from Virginia who has only been practicing while he waits his turn.

Cabdina smiled extra big, the words coming faster still.

"Ellis, he's got a knack for the ball. Ellis is most like me. He has that type of personality. He can be commanding, it's just going to be the learning curve."

Others agreed when asked about this, too.

"He's kind of a character. He reminds me of Jason," said senior cornerback Grant Haley. "They have their presence when they come into a room. As soon as he came (to Penn State) you knew who Jason Cabinda was, the way he talked and carried himself. I see similar things in Ellis."

James Franklin's staff has handled the linebacker position differently since arriving in 2014, partly out of need, partly from scheme and partly because of how the college game has evolved.

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The Lions often only use two linebackers in the game at the same time, sometimes only one. It's a move to help defense against speedy, pass-oriented offenses. Franklin talks often about recruiting players who can play multiple positions for versatility, such as safeties who can grow into playing closer to the line of scrimmage.

Still, Penn State has not had an Associated Press All-America linebacker in a decade, since Dan Connor.

"You never know who that next Posluszny is. We try and recruit him every year," said defensive coordinator Brent Pry.

"(But) that particular model of a player is tougher to get."

Last year, the Lions lost standout Brandon Bell to graduation. This winter they lose Cabinda and key backup-turned-starter Brandon Smith.

Starting junior linebacker Manny Bowen is no longer with the program after two suspensions and undisclosed violation of team rules.

So the talk leading into 2018 turns to Farmer and Brown, who both must own bigger impact roles. Even to rookies who won't start their college careers until next month, like Micah Parsons, Jesse Luketa and Nick Tarburton.

Brown, who was particularly intriguing after glimpses as a freshman in 2016, didn't shine like many expected this past fall. He switched linebacker spots and struggled with a nagging injury before playing more down the stretch.

"Cam's a guy who plays reckless, gets to a lot of balls, still learning to play a little lower with that long body's he got. He's got good range. He can close as well as anybody I've coached," Pry said. 

"(But) Cam would tell you this: He just wasn't playing as well (early in the season). His back was bothering him a little bit ... The things that were important to us, we just weren't getting from him."

He made only 29 tackles through 11 games in what could be termed a necessary learning process before moving forward.

"I think Cam Brown is really going to take another step next year," Cabinda said. "I have no doubt about it."