SUBSCRIBE HERE TO SUPPORT LSUODYSSEY's MISSION IN PROVIDING TRAILBLAZING, CONSISTENT TIGERS COVERAGE
SUPPORT OUR FRIENDS @ EYECONIKBRAND.COM, LOUISIANA'S #1 STOP FOR CHAMPIONSHIP MENTALITY APPAREL
Most of the time, LSU linebacker Greg Penn III doesn't get the love he deserves.
Even after becoming LSU's second leading tackler following each of his past 2 seasons, making one handed interceptions, recording an increasing allotment of tackles for loss, all as he displayed strong improvements to his overall game, the Maryland-born linebacker still isn't receiving the dues he's earned.
While his coverage skills are still lacking, that was never the run-stopping, traditional linebacker's profile or strength...but that message was clearly lost on former defensive coordinator Matt House.
Instead, last year's defensive staff lost the plot, putting key players, such as Penn, in the wrong spots at the worst times....usually resulting in defensive disasters all over the field.
Penn was repeatedly left exposed by House....finding himself caught in mismatches against slot receivers or hybrid tight ends.
Penn's few weaknesses (pass defense & a lack of pace) were both ruthlessly exposed time and time again due to poor defensive coaching by House, often running his linebacker directly into the crossfire of passing lanes, mismatches, big plays downfield, with the linebacker slow to react and left in the dust (22 catches allowed from 30 targets, 180 yards and 2 passing TDs caught on him).
Despite Matt House refusing to have his players' best interests at heart, Penn was brilliant overall, producing 89 tackles in 2023, 78 the year prior, before tacking on 12.5 combined TFLs (6 during 2022 & 6.5 in 2023), while last fall alone he added sacks to his game, burying 4 quarterbacks (adding 10 pressures), alongside some timely playmaking 2 interceptions (tied for most at LSU), 1 forced fumble, and a pass breakup....all intensive, intrepid signs of a player settling into their own skin before our very eyes.
This is a young Tiger who's had a lot go against him across 2021, 2022 as well as 2023, only to continuously stab his feet into the dirt, and stay with it.....again and again, one rep after another, giving everything for LSU.
Despite hailing from Maryland, Penn is now an adopted Tiger, performing with more & more Louisiana-ingrained intensity, work ethic, aggression, and staying power each season....now fortified as one of Head Coach Brian Kelly's most relied upon defenders.
Appearing across 795 snaps, second among defenders & third of any 2023 Tiger, Penn III's availability, leadership, and tackling prowess (specifically against the run) became irreplaceable over the past 2 years...but now, the former Dematha linebacker has two very opposing narratives unfolding out before him:
1) Ahead of fall camp, Greg's senior season could usher in his ultimate rise; Under "LB whisperer" Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker, who worked his magic with former LSU LB Damone Clark back in 2021, Penn has a strong chance of becoming one of the SEC's best linebackers, starting every game, as his discipline & tackling skills fully unleash superstar linebacker Harold Perkins; or.....
2) Penn's previous lack of pace trumps his experience, run stopping powers, or improving pass defense, and brothers West or Whit Weeks contend against him for every possible rep, rotating with Penn frequently during LSU's long, rambling schedule ahead....one which could reach up to 17 games.
We might be looking at rotation, anyway, for Blake Baker's 2024 linebackers; without a doubt, linebacker is one of the most stocked and locked positions on roster, featuring elite freshmen Davhon Keys, Deebo Atkins, or Tylen Singleton, so if Penn III isn't constantly evolving his game, his presence on the field will be challenged....a factor which should propel him to new heights.
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
©️ 2024 Uninterrupted Writings Inc