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James Franklin lauds Ellis Brooks’ performance in Penn State’s opener vs. Wiscosnin

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

For Penn State middle linebacker Ellis Brooks, it was an impressive start to the 2021 season against Wisconsin, with 11 tackles and one sack It was a great day for the redshirt-senior, right up until he was ejected from the Nittany Lions season opener with Badgers.

Mid-way through the fourth quarter, officials penalized Brooks for targeting after a collision with Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz, who was the ball carrier on the play. Per NCAA rules, Brooks will be sitting out the first half of this weekend’s home opener in Happy Valley against Ball State.

The play was a controversial one, and while Brooks didn’t launch himself, he hit Mertz’s left shoulder before making contact with his helmet.

PSU head coach James Franklin was vocal in his disagreement with the call.

“I don’t agree with the call,” Franklin said on a Penn State postgame radio show. “You can’t target a ball carrier unless you use the crown of your helmet. I didn’t think he did that. I understand the reason for the rule. They’re going to protect the player, but what else does a kid do there?”

Franklin talked about Brooks during his Tuesday press conference, calling out his stellar play against Wisconsin, as well as the impact his absence from the first half of the game with Ball State will be.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.