Penn State offers UNLV linebacker in transfer portal
Penn State is still searching for a defensive coordinator, but that won’t impact James Franklin and his staff from pursuing potential defensive additions in the transfer portal.
Just over a year ago, the Nittany Lions were able to pull defensive end Arnold Ebiketie from Temple. It proved to be an excellent decision for both sides, as now Ebiketie is headed to the NFL.
UNLV linebacker Jacoby Windmon is now the latest player to come onto Penn State’s radar. Listed at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Windmon declared for the portal back on Nov. 28, and he’s quickly seen his stock skyrocket.
Over the past 10 days, he earned 19 verbal scholarship offers. Kansas State offered within a matter of hours, while schools like Houston, Indiana, Iowa State, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, TCU and Texas have also made a move.
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With that said, it appears as if Michigan State is the team to beat after visiting East Lansing this past weekend.
During the 2021 season, Windmon was excellent for the Running Rebels, leading the team in tackles with 118. A former edge player, he proved to be excellent at rushing the passer, too, totaling 11 tackles for loss, adding six sacks. Those efforts earned him second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2021.
Coming out of high school, Windmon was a member of the Class of 2019. He was a three-star prospect according to 247Sports and a two-star prospect on Rivals. He chose UNLV over South Alabama after taking official visits to both schools.
Penn State could use help at both defensive end and linebacker ahead of the 2022 season. Middle linebacker Ellis Brooks is out of eligibility, and although Brandon Smith is expected to return, he is draft eligible.
Last offseason, Penn State added six players via the transfer portal overall. In addition to Ebiketie, offensive lineman Eric Wilson and defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo both started after leaving Harvard and Duke, respectively.
Penn State also saw running back John Lovett and cornerbacks Johnny Dixon and A.J. Lytton contribute in multiple ways.
