I’m going to start this week’s Penn Staters At The Next Level post with a punter. Blake Gillikin continues his terrific start to the 2021 season.
The former Nittany Lion was dominant — yes, punters can dominate — in the Saints win over the Washington Football Team.
Gillikin booted five punts for 268 yards, including three that were downed inside the five. On the season, he’s averaging 49.8 yards per punt, which is tied for fourth-best in the NFL.
Nick Scott, Safety, Los Angeles Rams
Nothing like a game-winning interception to defeat your NFC West rivals in primetime.
Nick Scott sealed a win for the Rams on Thursday Night Football this past week with his first career INT.
He’s made his name on special teams the past two seasons, but Scott has also now found a nice role within the Rams defense in 2021.
Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
Another week, another appearance for Micah Parsons in this blog.
Parsons led the Cowboys with eight tackles in Sunday’s win over the Giants and he’s already one of — if not the best — players on the Dallas defense.
He’s the Defensive Rookie of The Year favorite through five weeks of play.
Austin Johnson, Defensive Tackle, New York Giants
This week’s blog has been defense/special teams heavy and that isn’t changing with our next Nittany Lion on the list.
The Giants struggled at Dallas on Sunday, thanks in large part to injuries to Saquon Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones. Penn State alum Austin Johnson was a bright spot for the G-Men.
Johnson recorded another sack (giving him three on the season), four tackles and two tackles-for-loss.
To check out the full list of Penn Staters currently on NFL rosters, click here.
The Football Letter Blog 
Outstanding!