Penn State head coach Matt Campbell has made competition one of the defining themes of his first season in Happy Valley.
Few position groups are providing more of it than cornerback.
Through two games, Daryus Dixson, Zion Tracy and Jahmir Joseph have given Penn State a three-man rotation that is beginning to offer the Nittany Lions something every defense wants: options.
The numbers have been encouraging, but Campbell’s praise of Dixson following Penn State’s 27-9 win over Temple went well beyond his performance in coverage.
“Daryus won our spring award this year that kind of goes to the player that exudes everything that you want in the football program,” Campbell said. “That’s from how that guy practiced every day in the spring to, man, what that guy does academically. A 4.0 student. I think he was top of community service within our football program.”
What Penn State has seen on Saturdays might be an extension of what Campbell has watched for months.
Dixson has played 64 defensive snaps through two games, including 38 in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he has been targeted three times and allowed just one reception for nine yards.
His 74.8 overall defensive grade ranks fifth among Penn State defenders who have played meaningful snaps, while his 74.8 coverage grade is among the team’s best.
“He doesn’t take a play off,” Campbell said.
That mentality isn’t limited to defense.
Dixson’s blocked field goal against Temple was a significant play, but Campbell pointed to something considerably easier to overlook. On two of Zay Robinson’s returns, Dixson was working as a gunner and delivered knockdown blocks.
“Everything we ask that guy to do, he wants to be the best,” Campbell said. “He’s an elite competitor.”
Penn State’s Depth Is Getting Better
Dixson’s emergence becomes even more important when considering what Penn State is getting back.
Joseph missed the final three weeks of fall camp before being eased into the season against Marshall. Penn State increased his workload against Temple, giving Campbell another legitimate option at corner.
Joseph has now played 50 defensive snaps, including 28 in coverage. He’s allowed one reception on two targets for six yards.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“He’s got a huge upside in terms of what he can do,” Campbell said. “He’s got elite talent, elite traits.”
Then there’s Tracy.
The former nickel has provided Penn State with additional flexibility by playing extensively outside. Tracy has logged 48 defensive snaps with 29 coming in coverage. He’s been targeted four times, allowing three receptions for only 19 yards.
His 73.5 PFF coverage grade trails only Tony Rojas, Kooper Ebel, Audavion Collins and Dixson among Penn State defenders with at least 20 coverage snaps.
Combined, Dixson, Joseph and Tracy have been targeted only nine times across 95 coverage snaps. They’ve surrendered five receptions for 34 yards and no touchdowns.
That production gives Penn State the ability to rotate without necessarily sacrificing effectiveness.
“To be able to have him and Zion in that rotation at corner, I think really it was 30, 30, 30, 30 for those corners in the game,” Campbell said. “It ended up being a really great rotation across the board.”
Options Could Become Matchup Weapons
The benefit goes beyond keeping players fresh.
Having multiple corners Campbell trusts gives Penn State the ability to alter personnel depending on the opponent and potentially move Tracy around when necessary.
“Playing Zion out there has been huge for us, too,” Campbell said. “He’s done some huge things at corner. Gives us some flexibility and matchup opportunities as we continue to go down the road.”
That’s ultimately what makes the early development of this group intriguing.
Dixson is establishing himself as one of Penn State’s most consistent young defenders. Joseph is working his way back toward full strength after missing valuable camp time. Tracy provides positional flexibility and experience.
Two games aren’t enough to declare Penn State’s secondary a finished product.
But Campbell suddenly has something arguably more valuable this early in the season he has choices at a very premium position.
