Penn State Football: 5 Players the Nittany Lions Cannot Afford to Lose

Penn State dealt with the injury bug in 2011. The Nittany Lions are bound to encounter hurdles again this season, but certain players are not expendable.

The Nittany Lions have key players at every level.

Offensively, a ton of weight rests on Silas Redd's shoulders. The Nittany Lions defense is more of a collective effort, but a few players really grease the wheels.

Penn State's depth chart is in the works. Spring practice is right around the corner, and these players must stay healthy.

Not just for the spring, but for the season.

Jordan Hill

Jordan Hill must fill the biggest void on Penn State's defense heading into next season. If the Nittany Lions lose Hill, their front four will be in shambles.

Hill was a solid No. 2 defensive tackle last season. Expect him to emerge in a big way next season.

He is quick, explosive and very strong at the point of attack. Hill is Penn State's best defensive lineman.

Behind Hill is James Terry. Terry is an upperclassmen, but does not have Hill's talent.

The Nittany Lions run defense needs to be very good in Big Ten play this season. Hill is a huge part of that, and must stay on the field.

Malcolm Willis

Malcolm Willis is Penn State's most experienced safety in an inexperienced secondary.

Willis must stay healthy, and lead Penn State's defensive backfield.

Willis is a solid player in run support and pass coverage. He is an above-average athlete with great football instincts.

The Nittany Lions would be hurting if Willis got injured. Ryan Keiser, Stephen Obeng-Agyapong and Jacob Fagnano are not ready to lead.

Willis is entering next season as Penn State's full-time starter. He needs to stay that way.

Gerald Hodges

Most fans would argue that a Gerald Hodges' injury would not be critical. Khairi Fortt is more than ready to start.

If you look at Hodges' play last season, he would be very tough to replace. He was a consistent force, especially after Michael Mauti's injury.

Mauti hopes to be healthy this season, and Hodges must be too.

Hodges' speed is a major asset to Penn State's front seven. He chases down runners, and plays well in coverage.

Penn State has linebackers to replace Hodges, but none with his experience and talent.

Justin Brown

Justin Brown is the only No. 1 option of Penn State's receivers. That became more apparent with Devon Smith's pending situation.

Brown is still relatively unproven, but he is not expendable. He has the size, speed and athleticism to make a major impact in the passing game.

Behind Brown is a ton of speed, but a ton of inexperienced speed. The Nittany Lions have several players they can plug into their No. 2 slot, but no one is ready to be a No. 1.

Penn State's offense may make this less of an issue. Unless a capable quarterback emerges, Brown's services may not be used all that much.

But, if Penn State wants to go aerial, Brown must be healthy.

Silas Redd

If the Nittany Lions lose Silas Redd to injury their season is over. Redd is the lifeblood of the Nittany Lions offense, and their one major threat the Nittany Lions have.

Redd was huge for the Nittany Lions in 2011. He toted the rock for 1,000-plus yards and seven touchdowns. Fans can assume he will be better in 2012.

An injury to Redd would be catastrophic. If the Nittany Lions have to rely on their quarterback (whomever that may be) to lead their offense, they are going nowhere fast.

Redd has been durable up to this point in his career. The Nittany Lions nation hopes that continues.