Having fallen two wins short of a national title this season, Penn State is looking to retain enough veterans to make another run at it in 2025.
That process continued Saturday as the Nittany Lions’ top defensive tackle, Zane Durant, announced he would return for his senior season instead of heading to the NFL draft.
“It’s been a tremendous ride these past 3 years,” Durant wrote Saturday on social media. “I’m thankful for all my teammates. I’m thankful for (defensive line coach Deion) Barnes and (defensive coordinator Tom) Allen. I want to thank my pop and mom for helping me through this process. I thank the Lord for guiding me.
“With that being said, Penn State, I’m coming back.”
Durant was one of the most important players on the roster to keep in the fold given the team’s depth at defensive tackle. Dvon J-Thomas and Coziah Izzard are out of eligibility and Hakeem Beamon left the team late in the season. Alonzo Ford was emerging as a contributor, but he suffered a season-ending injury in November and will have to rehab in the offseason.
Safety Zakee Wheatley has also said he will return while edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton and linebacker Kobe King are still weighing options. Edge rusher Abdul Carter is all but certain to be heading to the NFL as a projected first-round pick.