From brothers to brotherhood, special bonds unite Penn State defense
Penn State arguably has one of the best defenses in college football in 2023. While stout defensive play has always been a calling card of the Nittany Lions program, this year’s unit has taken things to another level. The Penn State defense has brought an energy and charisma to the field that has been extremely entertaining to watch throughout the month of September. And the more we learn about this defense, the more we find that it’s the bonds formed in blood and sweat that is making this unit special this season.
King brothers help lead the Nittany Lions on defense
As many know, one of the biggest names on the Penn State defense is actually shared by two Nittany Lions. Brothers Kobe and Kalen King have emerged as leaders of the defense both on and off the field this year.
Of course, few are shocked by the emergence of Kalen King. One the Nittany Lions top returning playmakers on defense, Kalen King is already projected as one of the top cornerbacks and potential first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Penn State’s lockdown corner may not have eyepopping numbers through four games this season, but that’s because opposing offenses have refused to throw to his side of the field.
Kobe King, on the other hand, has taken more time to blossom. Although he appeared in every game last season, Kobe King didn’t win Penn State’s middle linebacker competition outright until this year’s fall camp. But the new starter has made the most of his opportunity. Kobe King is currently 5th on the team with 10 total tackles, and also recovered a fumble in Week 3 at Illinois.
In our recent exclusive interview with Kobe King, we talked about what it’s like to go through the process of being a Power 5 college football player with his brother. King shared how, while there were some differences of opinion when it came to their recruitment, their shared love of Penn State is what drove the King brothers from Detroit, Michigan to Happy Valley.
“Me and my brother, it was kind of a plan for us to both go to the same school,” King said. “And then it was like a point in time in the recruiting process where I wanted to go to a different school that he didn't really like. And then, you know, we talked about our differences there…We just took a visit here…We had a couple guys from our high school on the team, and we just fell in love with it. Just compared to all the other visits. We went to Michigan 100 times, Michigan State. And then we just came here -- everything just clicked, and we just fell in love with it.”
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Going into their third and likely final season as teammates at Penn State, Kobe King reflected on what it’s like to have his brother on this Nittany Lions’ roster. Although being teammates has become commonplace for the Kings, Kobe noted that the magnitude of the moment is not lost on either of them.
“To me, I would say it's kind of regular [playing with Kalen], just being that we've been on the same team since we were like five years old,” King said. “But being here with him is special, even though it kind of feels regular. It's just an opportunity to take the next practice with my brother. Play the next game with my brother. Every day and every weekend. So, I will say it’s great. And it's a blessing that we’re both able to do what we've been working to do since we were little. So, I just say it's special for both of us.”
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Bonds of Brotherhood have formed throughout the Penn State defense
While Kobe and Kalen King may be the only Nittany Lions that share a biological connection, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a brotherhood that has formed on the Penn State defense. On the contrary, Kobe King insisted that the bond of the defensive unit is stronger than ever this season.
“I wouldn’t say we weren’t as connected [before], but our bond definitely got stronger through the summer and as the season started,” King said. “I feel like I’m having fun with the guys in my room…I would say we’re very connected this year.”
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King is not alone in that assertation. Following Penn State’s 31-0 victory over Iowa in the White Out, we asked star defensive end Chop Robinson what has led to the defense’s dominant play in the last two weeks. Robinson noted that the unit came into its own in terms of leadership and chemistry in the days leading up to the Illinois game. Then, it was the message of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz that provided the spark.
“Coach Diaz’s message to us was, ‘Just have fun and just play free. Don’t overthink. Don’t try to be perfect,'” Robinson said. “And then once everybody started doing that, you started to see turnovers happening, and everybody was celebrating together. You just started to see the chemistry and the brotherhood we have.”
Whatever clicked, it worked. Penn State forced 5 turnovers and only allowed 78 rushing yards in a 30-13 win over the Illini. And that performance was child’s play compared to last week, where the defense forced four more turnovers, only allowed 78 total yards, and shut out the Hawkeyes for the first time since 2000.
The Nittany Lions currently lead the nation in first downs allowed, turnover margin, pass defense, and total defense through four games. Penn State also finds itself in the top 20 nationally of most other major statistical categories on defense.
The defense will have the opportunity to pin its ears back once again this week at Northwestern, a team that is statistically one of the worst offenses in the Big Ten. Kickoff between Penn State and the Wildcats is set for Saturday at noon.
Upcoming Happy Valley United exclusive events
Happy Valley United will be providing exclusive access and events throughout the 2023-24 athletic year, including:
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Youth Service Bureau Fall Fest, State College, September 30
- Join Happy Valley United at the Youth Service Bureau Fall Fest on September 30 from 11-3 p.m. on the 200 block of South Allen St. in Downtown State College.
- Meet Penn State wrestlers Erik Gibson, Josh Barr, Braeden Davis, Mitchell Mesenbrink as well as select student-athletes from the men’s lacrosse team at the photo booth for fun fall themed pictures!
- Fall Fest includes activities for families and people of all ages, from pumpkin decorating to pony rides and food trucks!
Be sure to check out this and all the exclusive experiences presented by Happy Valley United for the 2023 season!
Exclusive player insights, presented by HVU On-Demand
If you enjoyed this exclusive content, stay tuned for more exclusive insights throughout the 2023 season. HVU On-Demand will be providing exclusive access to player interviews and other content throughout the fall as part of the brand-new partnership between Happy Valley United, Up on Game, and Basic Blues Nation.
This initiative aims to promote NIL opportunities for the over 800 Penn State student-athletes represented by Happy Valley United and provide you with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from your favorite Nittany Lions.
To donate, please visit Happy Valley United’s website. We Are!