Greg Penn III, LB, LSU
Size:
Height: 6’2” | Weight: 235 lbs
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Greg Penn III is a linebacker with a high football IQ and character that makes his presence felt sifting through traffic, locating ball-carriers, and being a sure tackler.”
Strengths:
Run-scheme recognition
Tackling
Football IQ
Zone instincts
Concerns:
Play strength
Athleticism
Film Analysis:
Greg Penn III rarely leaves the field for LSU’s defense, playing in 27 of the last 28 games. He’ll return to LSU for his senior season under the new defensive coordinator and former linebacker coach, Blake Baker. Penn’s all-around skill set sees him patrol the middle of the field, reading out run fits and passing off receivers in zone coverage.
Recognizing run fits and maintaining proper gap discipline are among Penn’s strengths as seeing and reacting to blocking schemes as they unfold. It puts him in the appropriate position to give support or make the tackle. Rarely leaving his gap responsibility, he’s willing to take on blocks and uses his length to keep blocks at bay. He’s a sure tackler, only missing three in 2023, and his patience as a player aids his technique. In coverage, Penn is best gaining depth and reacting to crossers where he can see the play unfold.
While Penn is willing to take on blocks, he needs to improve his play strength and block-shedding to be more effective in getting to ball-carriers. He’s an average athlete, so quicker running backs can make him miss in the hole and create a big play (Ole Miss). When tasked to gain depth toward the sidelines, Penn can drift out of his zone and open up gaps for receivers to sit down. When asked to blitz, his play strength and lack of actual pass-rush ability show up—and he’s ineffective unless he’s in a free lane.
Overall, Penn is an intelligent linebacker who’s asked to do more than his athletic ability allows him to execute at a high level. With the addition of Blake Baker to LSU’s staff, there’s hope that Penn can refine his process and be a more instinctual player.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Daniel Harms