Penn State end Smith Vilbert 'just not available' at the moment, James Franklin says
Penn State had high hopes for defensive end Smith Vilbert in 2022 after he ended the 2021 season with a three-sack performance in the Outback Bowl. However, the fourth-year defender has been with the program but not on the field for game day yet this year.
On Tuesday, the leader of the Lions was asked to address Vilbert’s status after he was announced as one of the program’s scout team players of the week following the win over Central Michigan.
“Just not available,” Franklin said. “I’d like to sit down with Smith and make sure that me and him are on the same page. Again, we talk all the time about whatever it may be, whether it’s injuries or whatever it may be: I don’t like to make announcements here publicly before we have spoke so we’re all on the same page.
“I got a ton of respect for all the players in our program, and I want to be respectful of their situations, whether it’s personal, whether it’s professional, whether it’s academic, whatever it may be. I want to be respectful of those things. And you know, I’m really proud that Smith Vilbert’s a part of our program. I’ll leave it at that for right now.”
Vilbert is one of two Penn State defensive linemen who have sat out so far but were at the Central Michigan game in street clothes. The other is defensive tackle Coziah Izzard. Franklin was not asked to address his situation specifically on Tuesday.
Penn State defensive line prepares for Northwestern
Penn State is 72nd in the country in tackles for loss but 24th in sacks through four weeks. The defensive line has sometimes been neutralized by opponents’ quick passing attacks. That said, it hasn’t necessarily been a strong suit, either, even if the unit has probably played better than the stats have indicated.
Transfer Chop Robinson has been a revelation at defensive end. He is tied for the team lead in quarterback hurries with three. And, he also has five tackles (two for loss) and a sack. Overall, depth has also been good, even with Vilbert and Izzard sidelined.
“We keep guys fresh,” end Adisa Isaac said. “That’s when we play our best. We know we have guys rolling in and have no drop off in play.”
“It’s been great”
Penn State-Northwestern is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. ESPN will televise the contest.
“I think we can get better with tackles for loss and sacks,” Franklin said. “Every week, I see signs that is occurring. We have to continue building on that.”
