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Penn State’s football program generated a lot of buzz winning in Wisconsin, climbing eight spots in the AP Top 25 rankings. At the individual level, even considering the colossal efforts of security. Jaquan Brisker and receiver Jahan Dotson, there has perhaps been no more revealing performance than that served by Temple transfer Arnold ebiketie.
“It lived up to the hype,” Dotson said. “He’s one of the best guys on the pitch every time he comes on the pitch.”
That’s great praise coming from one of those bona fide “best guys”, and similar comments regarding Ebiketie were a common theme throughout the week after her Penn State debut.
“I rate him as the best defensive end in Big Ten football,” security Ji’Ayir Brown noted.
The 6 feet 3 inches, 256 pounds Ebiketie buried the Wisconsin running back At Mellusi four yards behind the line of scrimmage in the Badgers’ first offensive play. He totaled seven tackles, including two for loss, a rushed QB (the officials of the recovery rightly canceled his forced fumble in the first quarter in an incomplete pass), a field goal block and a sack in the last minute that produced Graham Mertzis a costly intentional stranding penalty.
Many were stunned to see such an immediate breakout in a Power Five clash featuring two top 25 teams. From Ebiketie’s point of view, the performance met expectations.
“I was certainly not surprised,” he said. “It’s something I was expecting because I think I put a lot of work into it. And I expect every time I go out on the pitch I have that kind of performance. . “
Brown, who made the interception to seal the game at Madison, explained that behind the scenes the man his teammates called “AK” had already built a reputation at Penn State facilities.
“From the first rep I saw Arnold, I knew he was going to be a freak,” Brown said. “[He is] extremely fast, extremely light on his feet, and he plays in the frame. He’s got a hunger for himself that you don’t really see with most defensive linemen. He was very different when he first arrived, and he continues to agree with everyone. We knew he was going to be awesome. “
Beginner in third year Itch walker was the first offensive tackle to meet Ebiketie in a Nittany Lions uniform.
“I’m glad he decided to come to Penn State because AK and I did a great job,” Walker said. “One thing I will say about AK is that he will come to train every day and give you everything he has. It helped me develop this offseason at spring camp and d fall, and it helped the whole offensive line. “
Recipient KeAndré Lambert-Smith described one of those early battles between Ebiketie and Walker as a moment that resonated throughout the list.
“The whole team was watching him work against Rasheed, who is a great player for us,” said Lambert-Smith. “The job they were giving each other, I was like ‘Okay, this guy is legitimate.’ And then everyone on the team was talking about it. Like as soon as he got here, he made his presence felt from day one. “
Walker has worked to earn these victories ever since.
“When you block someone who is this fast every day, they force you to play faster,” Walker said. “I can honestly say I don’t think I’ll see anyone in the Big Ten who can move like AK.”
During her acclimatization process to campus, there were a few “it’s not Temple” jabs, but those around Ebiketie quickly realized that didn’t matter. He was clearly a legitimate Power Five player and was emerging as one of the best of a Penn State squad teeming with top-notch talent.
“When you watch this guy’s tape from last year at Temple, against some of the competition he was dominant,” Nittany Lions defensive line coach John Scott Jr. noted. “And then, having had the chance to work with him in spring training, I remember for myself, my eyes opened the first time I saw him working through the bags. how fast he could get his feet up and move through the sacks, and his acceleration and turn out of the sacks. It was impressive. “
Ebiketie, who added nearly 20 pounds after the 2020 season, continued to impress when he put on pads.
“I mean, it doesn’t take very long to see this guy’s athleticism and to see his explosiveness,” Scott said.
Nittany Lions Center Mike Miranda can confirm.
“It was pretty clear right away that he can move a little differently than everyone else,” said Miranda.
Long before Ebiketie blew up Wisconsin’s offensive plan, Ebiketie established the traits of a gaming convenience store while working alongside new coaches and teammates.
“I’m one of those guys who believe the game is won in the offseason,” he said. “Starting with winter training, going through spring prom and summer camp. So the whole combination of the work I did by [the season opener] allowed me to be confident during the game. “
An international trip that started in Cameroon featured prolific production as a prep linebacker, but Ebiketie was not a Power Five recruiting target from Einstein High School (Kensington, Maryland). He engaged in the Towson State FCS program before returning to Temple at the end of the 2017 cycle, leading him to Philadelphia for a four-year career with the Owls.
“You talk to the people of Temple, they feel like he’s their best player, their most disruptive player,” Franklin said. “We felt lucky to be able to have it, and we thought it might have an impact.”
It took a wink for Ebiketie to warn the Big Ten.
“There has been a buzz about AK since he showed up on campus,” Franklin said. “He’s an explosive guy and a productive guy. I think he will only get better. And, again, go against that [Wisconsin] offensive line – one of the best offensive lines in college football – to make this his first glimpse of Big Ten football is interesting. “
The most worrying part for opposing offensive coordinators is that Ebiketie has 11 more games in the regular season to refine his approach.
“I think, as he continues to feel comfortable with what we do in defense and gets really comfortable with technique, then you can really see this guy continue to soar,” he said. Scott said. “… AK doesn’t say much. He walks into the building with a big smile, but when he comes out on that pitch in practice it’s competitive; it’s 100%. keep working on the little details of the plans and stuff, you’ll keep seeing it getting better and better. “
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