Brisker looking to make plays
Jaquan Brisker has always liked to have the football in his hands, whether that’s on offense, defense or special teams.
Those moments at Penn State have been too seldom for him, though.
Brisker, a senior safety, has three interceptions and no forced fumbles or fumble recoveries in his two seasons with the Nittany Lions. He’s seeking to increase those numbers this season.
“I think last year it was more me trying to return it (interception) before I caught it,” he said. “Now I focus on catching the ball before I run.
“I feel like I’ve improved my ball skills. I’m making a lot more plays on the ball than I did last year.”
The 6-1, 200-pound Brisker has built a reputation as a sure tackler, especially against the run. It’s why Pro Football Focus named him a first-team All-American last year and why The Asso
ciated Press selected him to its Preseason All-America second team this year.
“Sometimes I really don’t pay attention to it,” he said of the accolades. “But when it comes, I know it was earned just from all the hard work in the offseason. I can say I enjoy it for that day, but other than that I’m focused on always getting better and always working on my craft.”
Brisker missed just one tackle in 60 attempts last year, according to PFF. He finished with 57 tackles (three for losses) and six pass break-ups.
He considered entering the NFL draft after last season and not returning to Penn State. He discussed 2021 with wide receiver Jahan Dotson and cornerback Tariq CastroFields, who faced similar decisions before they announced they all would be coming back.
“The only factor was us going 0-5,” Brisker said, referring to the Lions’ winless start last year. “I couldn’t leave on that note especially with my name on it. I owe it to the fans and I owe it to my family. That was one of the worst records (starts) in Penn State history.
“I knew what type of team we had coming back. I knew it was the right decision.”
Brisker grew up in Pittsburgh, starred at Gateway High School in football and basketball and attended Lackawanna College for two years before transferring to Penn State in 2019.
He played in every game that year before becoming a starter last year.
“A guy that’s really impressed me and surprised me to a degree with his leadership qualities is Jaquan Brisker,” defensive coordinator Brent Pry said. “He’s always been one of our best workers, but his consistency off the field, the maturity he’s showing, the way he’s speaking out and holding guys accountable has impressed me.
“I’m super excited about the role he’s taken and the growth he’s shown.”
Pry plans to use Brisker as a flexible piece in the Penn State defense, lining him up anywhere on the field.
“I would say it fits my style just because I like to be moved around,” Brisker said. “Ever since I was in high school or in midget league, I was always playing more than one position. It’s what I like to do. I like being around the ball, so that’s where I’m comfortable.”
Brisker could be joined at safety by Jonathan Sutherland, Keaton Ellis or Ji’Ayir Brown, a former teammate at Lackawanna. Both were first-team junior college All-Americans there, Brisker in 2018 and Brown in 2019.
“Me and Ji’Ayir have always been close, especially since his first snap in a scrimmage back at junior college,” Brisker said. “We’ve always been close. Him coming here was a plus. We’ve always had a close relationship. That’s my guy.”
Brisker said he wouldn’t mind returning punts or kickoffs, which would give him another chance to be a playmaker. He’s working more on creating turnovers, something he’s done better than any of his teammates in preseason camp.
He’s getting a lot of help from safeties coach Anthony Poindexter, a twotime All-American safety at Virginia who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last year.
“I feel super comfortable, especially with Coach Poindexter in my corner,” Brisker said. “He made a lot of turnovers at Virginia. He’s a legend there. He’s been in my shoes. He’s been to the league (NFL). He dominated college football.
“I just listen to him and try to take everything in.”