By: Pasquale Tartaro, GoPSUSports.com
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa - When Penn state safety Jaquan Brisker isn't playing football or doing school work, he's watching game film or YouTube videos of NFL safeties he wants to emulate.
"I'm in love with the game of football," Brisker said. "When I'm watching a film I feel like I can see what they're doing and why they're doing it."
This past offseason, Brisker opted to return for a third season at Penn State amid the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft.
"I knew what team we were going to have coming back and I knew what type of player I wanted to be," Brisker said. "Obviously, the coaching staff supported me. Once I came back, I was all in. Once we started working together, we knew we could be a very dangerous team."
Through six games, the versatile safety has managed to exceed the high expectations that earned him midseason All-America honors from The Athletic and Associated Press.
Last season, Brisker led the Nittany Lions with six pass breakups and had 57 tackles (33 solo), three tackles for loss and an interception.
This year, Brisker has recorded 25 tackles (3.5 tackles for loss), two interceptions, three pass breakups and one quarterback hurry. The 6-1, 200-pound captain has led a defense that ranks fourth in the country in points allowed (13.8).
"I think I improved on just making plays on the ball and just seeing things faster," Brisker said. "Trusting my instincts more...playing fast just like myself."
"I've been really pleased with him in really every area," said Penn State head coach James Franklin. "He's going to graduate from Penn State… He's playing really well for us, putting the team in position to win. He's become very vocal as a leader for us. For him to be recognized is great."
Given Brisker's journey from Lackawanna College, it's impressive how the senior's impact is often amplified during crucial moments for Penn State's defense.
In Penn State's season opener at Wisconsin, Brisker helped seal a thrilling 16-10 victory with a late interception in the red zone.
With under four minutes remaining against a ranked SEC opponent, Brisker helped keep Auburn out of the end zone despite the Tigers earning a first-and-goal opportunity at the 10-yard line.
On fourth down from the 2-yard line, Brisker was targeted on a fade route and forced an incompletion to hand the ball back to the offense.
On the last play of the game, moreover, Brisker broke up a desperation pass toward the end zone from quarterback Bo Nix as time expired to secure Penn State's 28-20 win over the Tigers.
Looking ahead, the Nittany Lions will rely on Brisker's leadership even more following a season-ending injury to defensive tackle and captain PJ Mustipher.
However, as he has proven over the course of his collegiate playing career, Brisker is no stranger embracing challenges.
"My leadership has to step up even more," Brisker said. "What I've learned from this team is that we stay together."
