Penn State's DaKaari Nelson having success after off-season switch to linebacker

DaKaari Nelson came to Penn State to play safety, but that’s not how things unfolded.   

After appearing in just one game in 2023 as a safety, Nelson converted to linebacker. The move was sparked by Nelson’s frame, standing 6-foot-3, 222 pounds. 

Just over a month after the transition, the Livingston, Alabama, native logged his first career start against then-ranked No. 19 Illinois. In the contest, he recorded his first collegiate tackle while playing 23 snaps. 

“This is really his first time doing it, so he's just going to get better as he gains experience and knowledge,” James Franklin said on Monday when he met with reporters. 

Nelson filled in for redshirt sophomore Dominic DeLuca, who was dealing with an injury. The start came just one week after Nelson made his collegiate debut at linebacker against Kent State. 

Franklin mentioned several times how “proud” he was of the converted linebacker for making the transition. 

“The light has really gone on for him, and that happens for players at different points in their career,” Franklin said. 

Nelson was one of Penn State’s top prospects in the Class of 2023, rated as a consensus four-star. He was the No. 178 overall prospect and the No. 14 safety nationally according to the On3 Industry rankings.

“He's gonna keep striving. That's only his first step,” Rojas said on Wednesday when he spoke with reporters on Zoom. “He played well, and that's only the beginning for him. I feel like he's gonna be big for us this season, and he's gonna keep on improving. His mindset right now is good, so he's gonna help our whole room.”

Although DeLuca missed the game against the Fighting Illini, he is expected to return against UCLA. Penn State is also dealing with an injury to Keon Wylie and the summer dismal of Kaveion Keys. 

With depth at linebacker becoming a serious issue for first-year defensive coordinator Tom Allen, the coaching staff approached Nelson about a positional change in mid-August. 

“The transition from safety to linebacker is something that he's embraced and trusted us on,” Franklin said. 

However, linebacker isn’t the only position where Nelson’s impact is being felt. The second-year Nittany Lion has made his presence known on special teams, capturing Penn State's special teams player of the week after each of the last two contests.

Elliot Washington, who was in the same class as Nelson, praised him for his efforts on special teams. 

“I would say his explosiveness and how strong and physical he is. He pancakes people and puts them on the sidelines,” Washington said on Wednesday night inside Holuba Hall. “It's an everyday thing for him, and I think that's a real good thing for him.”

The Nittany Lions have lost key special teamers over the past few seasons, such as Jonathan Sutherland and Malick Meiga Nelson’s emergence has been much needed. 

Washington isn’t the only one to notice Nelson’s play on special teams, Penn State special teams coordinator and assistant linebackers coach Justin Lustig has seen his growth as well. 

“He's arrow up. Stock is up on DaKaari,” Lustig said in September. “To the naked eye, you probably don't see it a whole lot, but he had one of the biggest hits in the [Bowling Green] game for us on special teams, on kickoff, and just absolutely destroyed one of their upbacks, which was an impressive play.”

It’s plays like this that have helped Nelson make an early impact for the blue and white in 2024, and it’s going to need more from him as the campaign continues. 

“He was having success on special teams. That success has bled into defense, and he's having success there,” Franklin said. “I think he's having a lot of fun right now playing football and having success.”

Alex Rocco is a graduate student getting his master's in strategic communications. To contact him, email alex.rocco1702@gmail.com.