Transfer Spotlight – Penn State DE Arnold Ebiketie
At CFB Saturdays we recognize that the landscape is always changing in College Football and the undeniable impact transfers have had on our beloved sport in recent history. Transfers have gone on to make College Football Playoff runs, win the Heisman, the National Championship, and become top NFL Draft Picks (Joe Burrow recently accomplished all of the above). In the Transfer Spotlight we take a look at the potential impact of top transfers in 2021. Today we take a look at Penn State DE Arnold Ebiketie who was a productive defensive end for Temple.
Continuing Temple’s New Tradition
Temple has done a good job of developing defensive linemen recently, unfortunately for the Owls these players are finishing their careers elsewhere. Quincy Roche left after a monster season in 2019 to finish his career at Miami, where he was a success . This year, both Ebiketie and defensive tackle, Ifeanyi Miajeh (who had a big 2019 season) have transferred out of the program, choosing Penn State and Rutgers. Temple has a knack for developing defensive linemen and the Nittany Lions are hoping to capitalize on that through the transfer portal.
Arnold Ebiketie arrived at Temple in the 2018 class but took some time to make his mark. He played sparingly as a freshman recording just four tackles in six games. His playing time would increase some in 2019, but Ebiketie was still a key player for the Owls. He did record the first two sacks of his career in back to back games against USC and USF. For the season, he finished with 13 tackles and 2 sacks for the season, showing an improvement from his 2018 season.
2020 was a tough year for most, but Ebiketie made the most of it and became a key contributor for Temple. Despite only playing six games, he recorded 42 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and forced 3 fumbles. Having proven himself as an effective defensive end at Temple, Ebiketie followed in Roche’s footsteps and entered the transfer portal to find a bigger school to prove himself at. He found a new home at Penn State and will look to wreak havoc in the Big Ten in 2021.
Arnold Ebiketie’s Game
Arnold Ebiketie checks in at 6’4″ 240 lbs and still has room to add muscle to his frame. He has good burst and a quick first step off the edge. Ebiketie has developed his pass rushing moves and has improved his ability to disengage blockers and finish the play. He has the ability to bend around the edge and close on the quarterback. Ebiketie has the potential to be an excellent pass rusher in the college game.
He has also added strength during his time at Temple, helping him set the edge against the running game. He shows good awareness and is able to find the ball on misdirection plays and has a knack for making the big play. Ebiketie still has work to do as a run defender, but with improved strength and technique he will be a well rounded defensive end.
Outlook at Penn State
Penn State needs to replace all four of their starting defensive linemen from 2020 and Ebiketie figures to fit in at one of the end spots. The good news is that Ebiketie had more tackles for loss than anyone on Penn State’s roster despite playing three less games. With Ebiketie adding a proven and productive defensive end to the lineup it will ease the transition for a new starting defensive line.
Behind the defensive front, the Nittany Lions do return six of seven starters and have the depth to help provide competition as well. The experience in the back seven will help cover up any growing pains the defensive line experiences to start the season. Penn State had the second best pass defense in the conference in 2020 and should be strong against the pass again in 2021. Good coverage helps defensive linemen finish plays with sacks, which is a good thing for a player like Ebuketie who will be rushing the passer.
Penn State finished a disappointing 4 – 5 in 2020, but did win the last four games of the season. The Nittany Lions should have a solid defense with the returning talent in the back seven and transfer help like Ebiketie and defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo to help fill the void on the defensive line. The offense will need to continue the momentum they gained to close the season. It will certainly help to have Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington back making big plays at receiver.
The Big Ten East is led by Ohio State and also includes an up and coming Indiana team and an upstart Maryland squad. Penn State was down in 2020, but is hoping the returning talent and a few key transfers will help lead to a bounce back season in 2021. James Franklin and company will benefit from having Ebuketie in the fold to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Penn State Nittany Lions Gear
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_DCS7256.jpg image taken by Hillel Steinberg is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
