Lions getting back key defender, but offensive contributor moving on

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Penn State got some good news and bad news Sunday when it comes to players announcing their future plans.

We'll start with the good news.

Defensive end Adisa Isaac announced Sunday night that he will return to the Nittany Lions next season. The move was not unexpected, but, still, Isaac waited until nearly a week after the Rose Bowl to confirm his plans.

Isaac (6-4, 243 pounds) was third-team all-Big Ten this season. He appeared in all 13 games, making 28 tackles (15 solo) with a team-high 11 tackles for loss and four sacks. He was a key member of a defense that was strong all season and got better and better as the year went on.

Isaac has played in 33 games during his Penn State career, but had to miss the 2021 season with an injury.

He was not expected to be selected in the NFL draft this year, according to NFL Mock Draft Database, so Isaac can perhaps improve his stock and work himself into becoming a draft pick by returning to college for one more year.

Having him back next season will be a plus for Manny Diaz's defense.

Linebacker Curtis Jacobs has yet to announce his plans for next year, but he is widely expected to return to Penn State, which also will help the defense next season.

EFFNER MOVING ON

Now, the bad news.

Offensive lineman Bryce Effner announced earlier Sunday that he is stepping away from football instead of returning for another season.

"It is time for me to step away from the game I love," Effner wrote in his Instagram post.

"These last five years at Penn State have been some of the best years of my life," he also wrote.

Effner was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection this season, and his services were needed more than expected. The Lions thought they had a productive player at right tackle in Caedan Wallace, but he struggled at times, so Effner was called on to replace him.

Wallace then missed time late in the season with an injury, so Effner got even more playing time. Effner wasn't spectacular but was always solid at the position, helping the Lions put together a strong offensive line.

Effner played in all 13 games this season, and 36 for his career.

The Lions should be good on the O-line next year, with this potential grouping: LT Olu Fashanu, LG Landon Tengwall, C Hunter Nourzad, RG Sal Wormley and RT Wallace. But losing Effner could be significant as he would have challenged Wallace for a starting job or at least filled in when needed on the line.