Assessing spring, Nick Tarburton pleased by defensive improvement

Penn State defensive end Nick Tarburton is confident the improvement up front will be noticeable. 

Coming off a 2021 season in which the Nittany Lions were among the nation’s best defending the pass and keeping points off the board, the line has turned its attention to improvement necessary this spring. Under the direction of new coordinator Manny Diaz and DL coach John Scott, that has prompted a concerted effort toward building cohesion.

And, Tarburton believes it will begin to show itself as soon as this Saturday’s Blue-White Game at Beaver Stadium. 

“I think the biggest thing is just our effort. That’s kind of been something that we’ve been continually trying to push throughout camp: How we run to the ball, and also, how we play as one,” Tarburton told reporters Tuesday. “I think we’re starting to gel and I’m excited for you guys to see how we kind of just play as one and honestly, as a whole defense. I think it’s gonna be fun to watch.”

A substantial part of that will have to take place among new faces for Penn State this fall.

With three starters from the 2021 season vying for NFL opportunities in Arnold Ebiketie, Jesse Luketa, and Derrick Tangelo, Tarburton is among the veteran returning performers expecting to help shepherd those new faces along. 

Joined by Adisa Isaac, who is making his way back from a season-ending injury last year, and P.J. Mustipher, who remains sidelined as he recovers from the same, much of that on-field responsibility has been a focal point of Tarburton’s this spring.

“I’ve tried to be the best teammate I can possibly be each and every day and I feel like I’ve done that,” Tarburton said. “I’m a guy that is willing to give the shirt off my back for anybody. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. I’m a stand-up guy that’s going to try to be there for you whenever I can possible. 

“I think I kind of lead more by example than I do my voice. I think that’s something I want to bring to my leadership abilities, just to be able to speak as well. Show through play, lead by play, but also be able to speak up when need be.”

Shared leadership responsibilities

Hardly alone in that effort, Tarburton said Mustipher’s presence has been an integral piece of the equation this spring. 

And, in Isaac’s return, the Nittany Lions’ defensive line has received a jolt in a variety of ways.

“It’s been awesome. I can’t say enough about Adisa,” Tarburton said. “I love being able to play by him again, play by him on his side and everything. It’s been a blessing. 

“He’s an awesome guy, character guy, but then also, he adds just so much to it. He’s quick and explosive, he can rush the passer. It’s been awesome just to see him back on the field and be able to work with him. It’s been awesome.”

Looking toward the group’s potential this year at end, Tarburton also offered his insights on the development of Smith Vilbert. A fourth-year who head coach James Franklin identified as flashing through the spring, but needed to establish consistency, Vilbert has continued to improve.

“I think Smith is a great player. He is gonna be a huge asset for us as well this year,” Tarburton said. “He’s becoming a lot more twitchy on edge. He’s got some good moves that he’s been working on this spring. And he’s also been pretty physical in the run game. I’m excited just to play with him again. It’s been fun.”

To Tarburton’s side on the interior of the line, Penn State has also featured players working to take the next steps in their careers.

Asked to cite any standout plays of the spring, Tarburton needed little time to point to a particularly indicative TFL notched by fourth-year DT Dvon Ellies. 

“It was an impressive play by another guy I think is gonna help us out a lot this year. Dvon Ellies has been stepping up a lot,” Tarburton said. “It was a red zone period. And I mean, Dvon gets great knockback and sheds his block for a TFL for like four or five yards. 

“Our (running) backs right now are legit, our offensive line is working extremely hard. And for Dvon, he made it look simple. He just made a great TFL in the backfield and I think it won our defense the period. But flashes like that, that I’ve seen from the younger guys are now stepping up has been cool to watch.”

Young Penn State defensive standouts

Also pointing out redshirt freshman Zakee Wheatley on the defense as “a ball hawk” who is leading the unit in interceptions this spring, Tarburton said the Nittany Lions’ defensive line has a blossoming younger player in Zane Durant.

A frequent topic of conversation through the winter and spring since his Class of 2022 early arrival, the DT drew a lofty comparison from Tarburton on Tuesday.

“He’s another guy, right away, really explosive. I think he has great footwork and is also a really strong kid,” Tarburton said. “I’m not a comparing guy, but one guy that I could say that is kind of similar in his playstyle is a guy like Kevin Givens. I see that in him. And that’s a big thing to say, but I think down the road, I think Zane Durant can be a great asset for us and is gonna be a great player.”