Penn State did not waste any time getting back to work following the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals loss to Notre Dame. The focus is now on the 2025 roster. Recent announcements affecting the defensive tackle and defensive end positions have made this apparent. However, despite some decisions being made, the Penn State defensive line is still in flux.
Losing a star like Abdul Carter, the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, creates a big challenge. However, head coach James Franklin, defensive coordinator Tom Allen, and defensive line coach Deion Barnes have been hard at work to fortify the defensive line. Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton, established and respected starters, announced that they are returning for their senior seasons. Additionally, Penn State added defensive end Enai White from Texas A&M and defensive tackle Owen Wafle from Michigan via the transform portal.
Penn State Defensive Line
Abdul Carter Heading to the NFL
Not surprisingly, Abdul Carter is trading in “St1x C1ty” for the NFL. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and the most recent steward of the prestigious #11 Penn State jersey, will likely be a Top 10 pick in the draft. Importantly, Carter’s departure leaves a gaping hole at the defensive end position.
Carter’s production transcended the stat sheet this year. He learned a new defense and a new position by moving from linebacker to defensive end. Carter struggled early to produce up to his abilities but improved throughout the season. Carter cemented his place in Penn State lore with his performance against Notre Dame. He played a great game on essentially one arm following an injury against Boise State in the quarterfinals.
Production aside, Carter did not always portray the traditional Penn State team-first image. He was the self-proclaimed star of the defense. Following a sack this season, Carter struck the Heisman pose and openly campaigned with voters for the award. This approach is in stark contrast to the approach modeled every day by players like Tyler Warren, who allowed his play to do the talking for him.
Three-Down Durant Returns
While Carter is departing, defensive tackle Zane Durant announced that he is returning for his senior season. Durant will enter next season as one of the defense’s anchors, and a potential captain. He brings consistency in production, as well as continuity in Allen’s defense.
Durant, at 290 pounds, has a mix of athleticism and strength that allows him to impact any game. He does a lot of essential things that do not show up in the box score. Durant frequently takes on double teams and stands up offensive linemen who are bigger than he is. This strength allowed players like defensive end Carter and linebacker Kobe King to impact plays. Additionally, Durant has the quickness to get to the quarterback himself on occasion. His ability to stay on the field for three downs is a luxury for Allen and defensive line coach Barnes.
Returning for his senior season is a smart move for Durant. It allows him to potentially compete for a national title again. He also has the chance to improve his NFL draft stock working with Barnes, who has created multiple quality pros with Carter about to be added to the list.
Portal Reinforcements on the Way
Penn State has been diligently working the transfer portal to bring in reinforcements for the defensive line. Defensive end Enai White joins from Texas A&M with three years of eligibility remaining. Owen Wafle, a defensive tackle, left Michigan and has four years of eligibility left.
White will be a factor in the defensive end rotation. He could either be fighting for minutes as a starter or provide valuable depth for a position that will undoubtedly be different than this season. Things did not work out that well for White at Texas A&M, and the Philadelphia native will look to fulfill his potential under the tutelage of Barnes at Penn State.
The addition of Wafle can be seen as a depth move, after losing players like Coziah Izzard and Dvon J-Thomas to graduation. He should not be expected to displace Durant or Alonzo Ford as the starters. However, Ford is coming off a long-term injury so depth is important. Contrary to Durant, Wafle profiles more as a two-down lineman that can occupy blockers and stuff the run.
Dennis-Sutton Denies the Chance to be Drafted This Year
As the defensive line begins to take shape for next season, the most recent decision is perhaps the most team-friendly. Dani Dennis-Sutton announced he is returning to Penn State for his senior season like Durant.
Similar to Durant, and different than Carter, Dennis-Sutton does not profile as a very high pick in the upcoming draft. However, he showed consistent improvement and played perhaps his most impactful game under the brightest lights against Notre Dame, with six tackles, two sacks and an interception. Dennis-Sutton’s stock is as high as it has been. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how he continues to develop in this upcoming season.
The opportunities for Dennis-Sutton to take that next step will be numerous. He is expected to take Carter’s role as the defense’s top pass rusher if he returns. He was able to preview that during the game against Notre Dame. Dennis-Sutton slid over to the weakside end spot on numerous occasions. This freed up Carter to attack using his good arm for contact and leverage. Dennis-Sutton performed well on that side.
Defensive Line Taking Form but Still in Flux
The defensive line will look a lot different next season. Franklin, Allen, and Barnes have already begun the hard work of replacing Abdul Carter’s production. It will need to be a collective effort across the entire line, and the line’s roster is still in flux but shaping up nicely so far.
At defensive tackle, Durant’s return gives the team an anchor to build around. Ford is expected to step in at the other tackle spot. Players like Wafle and Xavier Gilliam should provide depth. At defensive end, Dennis-Sutton is the wild card. If he continues to improve in his senior season, he can replace a lot of the production that Carter is taking to the NFL. The remaining question at defensive end is who starts opposite Dennis-Sutton. Current options include Texas A&M transfer White, Max Granville, and Jaylen Harvey.
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