Penn State returns two of game's Top 10 linebackers in 2023

Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter was asked earlier this month to discuss the impact of Curtis Jacobs returning next season. A rising senior who finished third in tackles last season, Jacobs presented a team-first, veteran presence in the room.

And, as Carter would quickly understand as he rose to prominence behind a breakout true freshman campaign, Jacobs’ experience and playmaking were a huge benefit to have. Reconnecting for a second pairing in 2023, then, Carter and the rest of the room could only surmise even more could be accomplished in the weeks and months ahead.

“It’s really important because he’s a veteran guy,” Carter said. “He knows the game, he’s been here for a while. So, him being on the field with us, that’s huge for next year.”

In the evaluation of On3’s national analysts, Carter’s intuition is more than warranted.

Listing Tuesday the Top 10 linebackers in college football ahead of the 2023 season, Penn State’s position group earned the unique distinction of placing two individuals on the list. At No. 2, Carter checked in only behind LSU’s Harold Perkins coming off a similarly dynamic true freshman season with the Tigers. And, down the list, Jacobs also registered as a top 10 performer at the position, earning the No. 10 spot.

Penn State top linebackers

Alone, Carter could make the case as one of the Big Ten’s most electric linebackers. He finished with 56 tackles, second at Penn State, while also finishing second in tackles for a loss (10.5) and first in sacks (6.5). Combined with four passes broken up, five quarterback hurries, and a pair of forced fumbles, Carter collected second-team All-Big Ten honors and as a true freshman All-American as picked by several media outlets. 

The opening salvo in a career that defensive coordinator Manny Diaz believes has considerably more potential than what’s already been shown, expectations have risen for Carter this offseason.

“I’m just proud of the way that he developed through the course of the year. Certainly, he made some flash plays early on like at Auburn. But, there’s a difference between flashing and being a real guy down after down,” Diaz said. “The second half of the season, I thought he got better and better. He helped us as a defense get better and better. 

“The trick now is that obsession with improvement can’t stop because he played well for a freshman. Next year, playing well for freshmen will not be enough in year two. So that’ll be his challenge.”

Next steps

Importantly, Carter won’t be making that step alone.

Paired with Jacobs, who picked up 52 tackles in 12 games to go along with 7.5 TFL, 4.0 sacks, an interception, two passes broken up, two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, the tandem sets up as potentially “deadly” for Penn State next fall. 

Determined to seize on that opportunity, it’s one Carter believes can only be enhanced. Combined with the performances of his running mate, he intends to do so.

“I’m very excited. He’s one of those guys who’s been here for a little while, so he knows a lot. He knows the program, he knows the game. So that’s big-time for us,” Carter said. “He’s played here for a little while. So, he’s an athlete, he’s a competitor, and he makes me better.”

Aiming to exceed the accomplishments of the 2022 season, Penn State will be counting on it.