Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1547542
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 6 3 3 run downfield with receivers. He's also improved his overall awareness in zone coverage and is beginning to play deeper in the secondary. Through nine games, he had 25 tackles, including 3 for loss, 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. He finished with a career-high 5 stops in Penn State's 31-17 victory over Purdue on Oct. 31. Zayas' takeaways include a 51-yard in- terception return for a touchdown against Wisconsin and a one-handed intercep- tion at Michigan. He's also Penn State's first true freshman to start on defense in a season opener since cornerback John Reid in 2015. Audavion Collins | CB Even veteran players are still develop- ing. For Collins, a redshirt senior, the re- maining hurdle was his contested-catch play. He has always been a tight man- coverage defender, but he struggled to make plays at the catch point and pre- vent receivers from coming down with the football. Some of that was unfortunate tim- ing, as when he took the brunt of Indiana receiver Charlie Becker's breakout per- formance in 2025. His difficulties at the catch point weren't limited to that game, though. This year, he's improved dramatically. Through the Washington game, he had 10 pass breakups, compared with 3 in 13 games last season. According to Pro Foot- ball Focus, he had allowed just 6 comple- tions on 22 targets, with receivers averag- ing 6.5 yards per catch against him. That's evidence of how difficult he has become to beat. Alexander McPherson | DE McPherson's development happened more in the offseason than during games, but he's progressed in both areas enough to make the list. Penn State lists the Colo- rado transfer at 6-6 and 254 pounds, up from his stated weight of 240 pounds in 2025. As a big-bodied power edge rusher with exceptional length, he's used that size and strength effectively in the run game. He's become far more consistent at holding and winning his gaps, and he's flashed as a power rusher. McPherson isn't yet the answer to the team's pass-rush problems, but he's on the right track. Only a sophomore, he has the tools to become a dependable rota- tional defensive end who can do a bit of everything. At best, he could develop a devastating bull rush and use his long- arm technique to drive offensive tackles back toward the quarterback. Right now, he needs to finish his rushes and get the quarterback to the ground. He arrived with limited college experience after recording 16 tackles and half a sack in 10 games at Colorado. Cooper Cousins | OG I was holding my breath for Cousins this year. He's always had NFL-level traits, but his balance, focus and over- aggression held him back. The junior has turned the corner and become one of Penn State's best offensive linemen in 2026. He's not perfect, but he's reliable as a pass protector, aware of his assignment and able to help fix breakdowns around him. As a run blocker, he's maintained his edge and flashes dominance when he needs to clear the point of attack. He's also more controlled and less prone to lunging into blocks. Simply put, Cousins whiffs far less than before. It's always tricky to project an offen- sive lineman, but he's on the list of play- ers I'm watching to see whether he leaves early for the NFL. His play this season has made that a possibility. Anthony Donkoh | OT For the most part, we're finally see- ing what a healthy Donkoh looks like at a position he's comfortable playing. After dealing with injuries and moving between right guard and right tackle over the pre- vious two seasons, he's firmly planted on the right edge of the offensive line. Donkoh has always been able to gen- erate highlights, but he's been a steady, reliable producer throughout his redshirt junior season. He routinely wins on the right side as a run blocker, with textbook execution. He latches on to defenders and methodically turns them inside or outside, opening a hole or securing the edge. Some of Penn State's biggest runs this season, which haven't been plenti- ful, have come when Donkoh controls the edge so thoroughly that there's an obvious running lane. For the most part, Donkoh has also been stellar in pass protection. He does have some bad losses, especially to the inside, but he's far from a problem as a pass blocker. ■ Guard Cooper Cousins (left), shown here with center Brock Riker, has become a more reliable pass protector while retaining his physical approach to run blocking. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/PENN STATE ATHLETICS