Jonathan Sutherland didn’t break down in front of Indiana’s J-Shun Harris. He didn’t hesitate or simply try to bottle up the Big Ten’s best punt returner. Last weekend, Sutherland went full speed, his dreadlocks flying wildly as he launched himself through Harris’ torso and forced a fumble.
James Franklin used that play to describe Sutherland — the newest and perhaps most pivotal playmaker on Penn State’s defense.
“That’s kind of who he is,” Franklin said. “Most guys will come under control and chatter their feet and get their hips underneath them and then make the tackle. With Sutherland, he’s more like a missile.