Zane Durant: Veteran Presence, Veteran Ability

When thinking about defensive linemen that have been at the top of their game in Happy Valley, players like Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton have come to mind in recent years, but what about on the interior? Starting defensive tackle Zane Durant is in his final season with the Nittany Lions and has been setting the standard in the front seven for three years.

Being A Leader

Through the challenging week leading up to Iowa, Durant has had to deal with the firing of former head coach James Franklin on top of the announcement of starting quarterback Drew Allar being ruled out for the season.

For Durant, however, the process of going through those events in a short time has to be taken in stride due to being a longtime leader on the defensive front.

“[For] me, being an older guy, you know I had to set an example for the team, stay strong [and] feel a certain type of way,” says Durant.

Durant has started every game this season so far as well as every game last year. In his sophomore, junior and senior seasons, he has been in the lineup in 28 out of 29 games.

Experience has been key for Durant, who leads the current defensive line in career starts for Penn State.