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Don’t be surprised if you see Micah Parsons in an important special teams role for Penn State
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Linebacker might be the role that Micah Parsons primarily fills at Penn State, but the versatile former five-star talent may make an impact in other ways this fall.
During the team’s media day on Saturday, defensive coordinator Brent Pry said that Parsons may be utilized on special teams this season. As a return man.
Parsons, who has made it clear he wants to do a little bit of everything during his career with the Nittany Lions, will be utilized as a punt or kickoff returner at some point in the season. Specifics weren’t really clear, but it sounds like something Penn State plans to on experimenting with at some point in the year.
“We want to do whatever we need to do to win games,” Pry told Donnie Collins of The Scranton Times-Tribune. “If Micah can help us win games on kickoff returns, then we want to do that, and he wants to do that.”
As a true freshman last season, Parsons was Penn State’s leading tackler with 83 stops. He also tallied five tackles, 1.5 sacks and forced two fumbles. That’s a pretty big impact for a newcomer.
Now, he’s looking to make in an impact in another way.
Last year, Penn State primarily used speedy receiver KJ Hamler for its kickoff return duties. Another freshman a year ago, Hamler totaled 523 yards on 20 returns, averaging more than 26 yards per return.
Penn State will have an additional option in its return game next fall. It’ll be interesting to see how quickly Parsons is utilized in that role.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB