New leader for veteran front 7 at Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Linebacker U. has a new leader.

Penn State coach Bill O’Brien handed control of the Nittany Lions defense to former Auburn assistant Ted Roof.

A veteran coordinator, Roof promises an aggressive, physical defense that will mix up looks up front.

But no major overhaul though, unlike what O’Brien is doing on offense with the Penn State passing game.

Standout defensive tackle Jordan Hill has said it’s still a 4-3 front at its core, though terminologies might have changed somewhat.

Hill anchors a solid line. And the strength of the unit is expected to be at linebacker — again — with seniors Gerald Hodges and Mike Mauti leading the way.

O’Brien on Tuesday said his veteran front seven has done a good job in camp of picking up the new schemes.