Micah Parsons
School: Penn State University
Position: Linebacker
Penn State doesn’t have a recent reputation of producing big-time defensive stars, but Happy Valley has a long history as “Linebacker U.” And Parsons is as big a recruit as any of the big names going to the top SEC and ACC schools.
On top of that, Parsons enrolled early and should have a great chance to start from day one on the Nittany Lions defense. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Parsons could be a versatile linebacker able to play the run, and hold up in coverage either in the middle of the field or in the flats. On top of that, Parsons has a chance to have an immediate impact as a pass rusher.
Look for Parsons to take over as middle linebacker and become the rock of the Penn State defense for the next three years.
Also watch for Palaie Gaoteote to get a chance to start at USC. Cameron Smith returned to school which will move Gaoteote out of the spotlight on the Trojan defense. Gaoteote should play alongside Smith, and is well suited as an outside linebacker. Also, Adam Anderson is one of a few big recruits Georgia brought in to replace Roquon Smith and Lorenzo Carter. Anderson is tall and long. Whether it’s rushing the passer or holding up in coverage, there will be a role for him as a freshman.
