Penn State's Obeng-Agyapong makes statement

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - One of Penn State's outside linebackers came untouched on a third-down blitz and drove Syracuse quarterback Drew Allen into the MetLife Stadium turf.

The scene does not sound like anything out of the ordinary, as the school is known for powerful linebacker play. On the contrary, the play was an exclamation point on a havoc-wreaking day for Stephen Obeng-Agyapong, a defensive back whom Penn State started using at the linebacking spot a few weeks ago.

Obeng-Agyapong spent a majority of the Nittany Lions' season-opening, 23-17 victory Saturday against the Orange at linebacker after Mike Hull was sidelined with a knee injury in the first half. The fifth-year senior, who had spent his collegiate career in the defensive backfield at safety, did much more than an adequate job when he was called upon.

Playing in the shadow of his hometown, the Bronx, N.Y., native totaled eight tackles (including the sack), forced and recovered a fumble on the same play, and also intercepted Allen.

"We've asked him to play safety. We asked him to play linebacker. We asked him to play nickel. I've asked him to learn how to blitz, how to play the run in the box, play coverage," coach Bill O'Brien said. "What more can we ask of that guy?"

Obeng-Agyapong (pronounced OH-bing AH-juh-pong and commonly referred to by teammates as simply "Obeng") said the coaching staff asked him to take some reps at the new position during the second week of camp.

Penn State was fine at safety depth, and Obeng-Agyapong was splitting time with Malcolm Willis, Adrian Amos and Ryan Keiser. But the team lacked options in the middle of its defense, so giving a 5-10, 205-pound player snaps at linebacker seemed to make sense.

"I wasn't a fan of it initially," Obeng-Agyapong said. "But my mentality was to do what's best for the team at that point, and that's what I did."

Obeng-Agyapong got some snaps before Hull got hurt. As soon as the linebacker headed to the locker room, though, Obeng-Agyapong said he knew it would result in him getting more playing time and noted he was comfortable doing so.

Playing in front of family members and friends, Obeng-Ayapong made the most of his extra opportunities.

In the second quarter, Obeng-Agyapong stripped Syracuse's Jerome Smith on a carry, and also fell on the ball near midfield. His aggressiveness led to the first points of Penn State's season on the following drive.

Late in the third quarter, Obeng-Agyapong made one of the simplest interceptions he'll ever have, as Allen gift-wrapped a throw in his direction. But he wasn't done making things miserable for the Syracuse QB.

On a third-and-9 with about 10 minutes remaining, Obeng-Agyapong had a direct line to Allen. He issued the biggest hit of the game - and what he called the largest of his collegiate career -for a loss of 8 yards.

"Obeng, Linebacker U now," safety Adrian Amos said after the game. "He was out there ballin'. He fit his role in doing what's best for the team."