Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1537537
A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 6 5 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / D E F E N S I V E L I N E M E N / / / / / / / As the leader of that group, Dennis- Sutton knows he has an opportunity to show everyone he deserves to be the next first-round draft pick to come out of Penn State's defensive line room. "I think Dani certainly has a chance," first-year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. "He seems like the next in line. Penn State has had those guys, whether it's Chop or Abdul, and I think Dani is the next in that progression. He's done well. We expect him to take a step forward in that regard." If he reaches the personal objectives he has set for the coming season, that shouldn't be a problem. "My ultimate goal in college is to be the best defensive player in the coun- try, and really the best player, period," Dennis-Sutton said. "I want to make it undeniable that I'm the best defensive end and best defensive player. I don't think I made that undeniable this past year. I had a couple of hiccups, injuries, things like that. I missed out on a couple of games. I didn't have the best start to the season. I've got to start faster. "This year, I've been staying consis- tent throughout the summer, finding the small things in my game. So yeah, that's the one goal that I feel like I still need to achieve. I think I'm capable of proving that I'm the best player and the best defensive end. I want to make it undeniable." ■ Quick Facts Position coach: Deion Barnes (third season) Returning starters: DT Zane Durant (27 career starts), DE Dani Dennis-Sutton (17) Departing starters: DE Abdul Carter (35), DT Dvon J-Thomas (26) Projected new starters: DE Zuriah Fisher, DT Xavier Gilliam or DT Alonzo Ford Jr. Top reserves: DE Jaylen Harvey, DE Mason Robinson, DE Mylachi Williams, DT Liam Andrews, DT Kaleb Artis, DT Ty Blanding, DT De'Andre Cook Newcomers: DE Dayshaun Burnett, DE Chaz Coleman, DE Cortez Harris, DE Yvan Kemajou, DE Enai White, DT Randy Adirika, DT Owen Wafle 2024 vs. 2025: Stock Up Or Down? Losing Abdul Carter's 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss hurts, but edge rusher Dani Dennis- Sutton and defensive tackle Zane Durant both return for their senior seasons. They ranked second and third, respectively, on the Penn State defense in tackles for loss last season, com- bining for 24. The Nittany Lions lost a handful of experienced contributors at defensive tackle, but they do bring back super senior Alonzo Ford Jr., redshirt sophomore Ty Blanding and redshirt freshman Xavier Gilliam. Don't be surprised if Gilliam ends up being a key contributor early in the year. Off the edge, sixth-year senior Zuriah Fisher returns, but his injury history is worrisome. The Nittany Lions also lost redshirt freshman Max Granville to an injury this summer. He won't be back in action any time soon, which means the other young players will likely see an increase in snaps this fall. Overall, Penn State isn't as deep at defensive end or defensive tackle as it was last year. But if their key contributors can stay healthy, the Lions have enough talent to compete with the nation's best. X-Factor The biggest unknown on Penn State's defensive line is Ford's status coming off a knee injury that ended his season last November. Before getting hurt against Minnesota, he played 186 snaps in 11 games. He finished fifth on the team with a defensive score of 76.8 from Pro Football Focus. Ford's stats were modest — 16 tackles, including 3.5 for loss — but his ability to command double-teams to free up the linebackers was impressive. He was outstanding against Wisconsin in October, compiling an 84.3 defensive grade from PFF, and he kept that momentum going until he got hurt. We know what Penn State has with Dennis-Sutton and Durant, and there's enough talent at defensive end that the Lions can rotate players early in the year to find the contributors who will fill out the depth chart. But does PSU have enough interior defensive line depth to hold up in 2025? Ford's health and how he returns from his injury should end up being a major storyline in August and into September. Freshman Outlook It's unclear how long Granville will be out, which leaves Jaylen Harvey and potentially Myla- chi Williams as two redshirt freshmen who could end up making key contributions at defen- sive end. Also, don't sleep on true freshman Yvan Kemajou. Following spring practice, he was on pace to play at least four games this season and potentially more. At defensive tackle, Gilliam should emerge as a key contributor. Redshirt freshman Owen Wafle could also be a player to watch following his transfer from Michigan in January. Defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. could help solidify Penn State's front line if he's fully recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2024 season in November. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/PENN STATE ATHLETICS