It’s the middle of summer, which means only one thing — watch list season is about to ramp up around college football.
Plenty of Nittany Lions found themselves on watch lists last year and a few made it to the final bunch of nominees later in the season. This year should be no different with plenty of returning talent and players set to take the next jump.
Some Penn Staters on the defensive side of the ball should earn watch-list recognition soon, a few should make it even further come December.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive end
Dani Dennis-Sutton is undoubtedly up there with some of the best defensive ends in college football, giving him a chance to become the first Nittany Lion since Carl Nassib to win the Ted Hendricks Award for the nation’s best at the position.
He may have big shoes to fill as Penn State’s best defensive end following Abdul Carter’s departure, but Dennis-Sutton’s clearly one of the premier talents on the Nittany Lions. The senior could find himself nominated for the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Bronko Nagurski Award, both of which are awarded to the best defensive player in college football — just as Carter was in 2024.
Dennis-Sutton will likely be named a semifinalist for the Hendricks Award. It’s possible he moves on past the watch list for the Bednarik and Nagurski awards, but being named a finalist seems unlikely with the talent among college football, unless the senior begins 2025 on a heater.
Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) jumps to catch an interception during the College Football Playoff semifinal game between Penn State and Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. The Fighting Irish beat the Nittany Lions 27-24.
Sienna Pinney
Although he wasn’t named a Walter Camp preseason All-American, Dennis-Sutton is on track for an All-America campaign and will be a shoe-in for the All-Big Ten first team.
A.J. Harris, cornerback
The Jim Thorpe Award watch list is calling A.J. Harris’ name.
Given to the nation’s top defensive back every year, Harris fits the bill for the Thorpe Award. As a sophomore, he was a lockdown cornerback with four tackles for loss, one interception and five pass breakups.
The award usually favors seniors, but Harris’ talent and success is undeniable, and his name should grace the watch list at the end of July as he looks to become the first player from Penn State to win the honor.
Cornerback A.J. Harris (4) celebrates an incomplete pass during the College Football Playoff semifinal game between Penn State and Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. The Fighting Irish beat the Nittany Lions 27-24 to advance to the national championship.
Kate Hildebrand
However, with Caleb Downs and others ready to continue their dominance, it would be a surprise if Harris was the first, but a semifinal selection isn’t out of the question. What isn’t out of the question is an All-American selection, which appears to be in Harris’ future.
Zakee Wheatley, safety
Zakee Wheatley’s another one of Penn State’s defensive backs who could be on the Thorpe Award’s watch list, but if Jaylen Reed wasn’t named a semifinalist, neither will Wheatley.
Wheatley’s set to take over as the leader and veteran of the Nittany Lions’ safety room after a breakout year in 2024. Chuck Losey said on July 14 he’s thrilled with Wheatley’s development both physically and as a leader this offseason, and another step forward is expected from the redshirt senior.
“He’s turned into a guy who, he’s one of the first guys in the weight room every day. He thrives in everything that we do out on the field,” Losey said. “From a movement standpoint, a lifting standpoint, recovery standpoint, he’s just kind of a model citizen for us now. I’m happy. I think he’s going to level up this year with his play.”
Wheatley will likely earn All-Big Ten honors, but whether that’s second team or first team is toss up. If he shines in 2025, an All-America selection is certainly a possibility for the Nittany Lions’ starting free safety.
Zane Durant, defensive tackle
Zane Durant has already been selected for a high honor this offseason, as he was named a Walter Camp preseason first team All-American. He’ll likely be listed on more preseason All-America teams soon.
But that likely won’t be all for the senior. Odds are he won’t win them, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Durant’s on the watch lists for the Bednarik Award and the Nagurski Award.
Cornerback A.J. Harris (4) celebrates an incomplete pass during the College Football Playoff semifinal game between Penn State and Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. The Fighting Irish beat the Nittany Lions 27-24 to advance to the national championship.
Kate Hildebrand
Durant is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he caught the nation’s eye with 22 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks. The hype is there for the defensive tackle, and if he lives up to it, he could be named a semifinalist for both of the coveted awards and an All-American in some capacity.
Tony Rojas, linebacker
Penn State, also known as “LBU,” has had two players win the Dick Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. Tony Rojas expectedly won’t be the next this year, but a watch list-selection wouldn’t be a surprise.
Rojas’ counterpart last season, Kobe King, was named to the award’s watch list before 2024. It came after earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention-nod in 2023 — the same honor Rojas earned last year.
“Rojas has been fantastic this summer. He’s been fantastic,” Losey said. “He’s ready to go. I’m excited about the season he’s going to have.”
The junior will compete for a spot on the All-Big Ten first team, while an All-America selection seems unlikely due to a previous lack of national recognition for Rojas.
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