University of North Texas Athletics
2010 Player Preview ? A.J. Penson
8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Height/Weight: 6-1/213
Class: Senior
Position: Middle Linebacker
Signed: In 2007 from Lufkin High School
2009 Key Stat: 51 ... A.J. Penson racked up 51 total tackles in '08 and 51 again in '09 for the Mean Green, but he will be counted on for a lot more if the NT defense is to be successful this fall. Penson took over for the injured Tobe Nwigwe six games into last season, a daunting task by any measure, and did an admirable job. He finished sixth at NT in tackles and his three tackles for loss tied with a host of others for sixth on the squad.
Why he will start: Penson has played in each of NT's 36 games since his arrival in '07, and at multiple linebacker positions. He's versatile, has managed to stay healthy and has tallied 114 tackles over the last three years. The position is basically his for the taking.
Why he won't start: While this stable of NT linebackers isn't perceived as one of the deepest in the Sun Belt, Penson will still feel the footsteps of some talented tacklers behind him on the depth chart. Daniel Prior, the Henderson High School product, played in 10 games last year and could work his way into the mix.
Don't' forget: He's a player that usually makes the most of his opportunities. Given the chance to start against Troy, Penson piled up seven tackles, including a tackle for loss. He followed that performance up with a team-high eight tackles and a tackle for loss in the win over Western Kentucky.
Overall: Penson will begin camp as the starter at middle linebacker, and will be pretty tough to unseat. Still, defensive coordinator/middle linebackers coach Gary DeLoach will look to Penson for additional leadership and explosiveness than he has shown in the past. To date, Penson has 114 career tackles, but has yet to account for a forced fumble, fumble recovery, interception or sack. He and fellow linebacker Craig Robertson have been on the NT roster longer than any other players on the defense, and their senior season could be one to remember.
