Can Penn State slot corner Daequan Hardy expand his role? Spring observations
37Penn State cornerback Daequan Hardy and defensive end Nick Tarburton spoke with the media yesterday ahead of the team's annual Blue-White Game. Host of the BWI Daily Edition, Thomas Frank Carr, and senior editor Nate Bauer, discuss their impressions ahead of the weekend.
They start with slot corner Daequan Hardy. Hardy is quietly one of the best players on the team, but his role last season was surprisingly small. So does Hardy want that to change? T-Frank asked the redshirt junior that question on Tuesday, and he plays Hardy's answer on the show. First, they discuss Hardy's response and examine if his role can expand.
Does he have the skills to play other positions? Once again, T-Frank picks Hardy's brain to find out what makes a good boundary corner, and then he and Bauer examine if Hardy has the physical and mental skills to execute that role. Next, the discussion about Hardy and his fit inside the new Manny Diaz defense expands to the rest of the secondary. While Hardy is one of the better coverage players, the system may use players differently. Is there more room for his role to grow naturally this year? Finally, T-Frank and Bauer discuss who will play behind linebacker Jonathan Sutherland and how that position impacts Hardy.
Finally, they shift their attention to defensive end Nick Tarburton. The veteran defensive end dished some interesting information on several young players who have stood out this spring. You'll hear his comments on running back Nick Singleton, safety Zakee Wheatley, and fellow edge rusher Smith Vilbert. Additionally, Bauer recalls Tarburton's thoughts on offensive lineman Olu Fashanu, Caedan Wallace, and center Juice Scruggs. Tarburton has high praise for the offensive linemen and the running game so far this spring.
Next, they dig into Tarburton's impact on the defense for the upcoming year. Despite gaining some critical help in the transfer portal, T-Frank explains why Tarburton needs to take a step as a pass rusher for the defense to succeed. Finally, they delve into how the other players at the defensive end position need to play a role next fall.
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