Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545675
6 4 A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / 2 0 2 6 F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / For a veteran player who has experi- enced multiple coaching staffs during his college career, those qualities mat- tered. "I can tell that he's been that way for a long time and he really means what he says," Williams said. "I truly appreci- ate Coach Campbell for allowing me to come here and give me the opportunity to be a Nittany Lion." 'This Is Home' Now, Williams has an opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Nit- tany Lions in Campbell's first season in charge. The team lost both of last sea- son's starting defensive tackles, Zane Durant and Alonzo Ford Jr., creating two openings in the middle of the defen- sive front. To fill that void, Penn State brought in five defensive tackle trans- fers. In addition to Williams, the Li- ons welcomed one of his former UCLA teammates, super senior Siale Taupaki, along with redshirt sophomores Arm- strong Nnodim (Oklahoma State) and Alijah Carnell (Iowa State), and junior Dallas Vakalahi (Utah). They'll be tasked with helping PSU improve against the run after a season in which it sur- rendered 142.5 yards per game on the ground to rank 56th in the FBS. In the midst of spring practice, Campbell said the defensive line had been "uberly impressive," noting that Williams was one of the standouts. "He knows the system, has played in the system," Campbell said. "I think he's in the best shape that I've seen him in just from watching the videotape of his time at UCLA. It's been awesome to watch what he's done." From the outside looking in, it's no secret that Penn State has built a rep- utation for producing elite defensive linemen. Between Chop Robinson, Adisa Isaac, Abdul Carter and others, you'll find plenty of former Nittany Lions in the NFL. However, all of the aforementioned players are edge rush- ers. Development at defensive tackle has had some ups and downs over the years, though Durant was chosen in the fifth round of the 2026 draft by the Buf- falo Bills. The 6-foot-5, 317-pound Williams isn't currently considered a future NFL Draft pick, but his experience should prove valuable. Having played for two other Big Ten programs, he understands the physical demands that await. He also arrives with a mature perspective developed through years spent enduring the ups and downs of college football. But perhaps most important, he ar- rived at Penn State energized by the op- portunity. "I can't wait to see and hear all the fans yelling in that stadium," Williams said. "I know I'm coming into a great environment … and I'll give everything I have. "This is home for me now, and I'm excited." ■ Scholarship Players (18) DEFENSIVE END No. Player Yr. Ht. Wt. 11 Lavar Arrington II So. 6-3 220 43 Dayshaun Burnett R-Fr. 6-3 226 88 Ikenna Ezeogu R-Sr. 6-5 273 89 Jackson Ford Fr. 6-5 264 18 Max Granville R-So. 6-3 252 99 Yvan Kemajou So. 6-3 252 33 Alex McPherson So. 6-6 254 — Elijah Reeder Fr. 6-6 210 42 Mason Robinson R-Jr. 6-3 255 DEFENSIVE TACKLE 90 Liam Andrews R-So. 6-4 276 39 Ty Blanding R-Jr. 6-1 301 73 Caleb Brewer R-So. 6-4 295 56 Alijah Carnell R-So. 6-5 299 94 De'Andre Cook R-So. 6-4 298 91 Armstrong Nnodim R-So. 6-2 310 92 Siale Taupaki R-Sr.+ 6-2 326 98 Dallas Vakalahi Jr. 6-2 326 97 Keanu Williams R-Sr. 6-5 317 Williams was one of five transfer defensive tackles to join Penn State in January. The Lions are look- ing to replace last year's starting tandem of Zane Durant and Alonzo Ford Jr. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/PENN STATE ATHLETICS Quick Facts Position coach: Ikaika Malloe (first season) Returning starters: None Departing starters: DE Dani Dennis-Sut- ton (30 starts), DE Zuriah Fisher (11), DT Alonzo Ford Jr. (11), DT Zane Durant (40) Projected new starters: DE Ikenna Ezeogu, DE Yvan Kemajou, DT Siale Taupaki, DT Keanu Williams Top reserves: DE Max Granville, DE Alex McPherson, DT Ty Blanding, DT Armstrong Nnodim Newcomers: DE Jackson Ford, DE Eli- jah Reeder, DT Alijah Carnell, DT Dallas Vakalahi, Ezeogu, McPherson, Nnodim, Taupaki, Williams