If anyone has the potential to epitomize the proverb “patience comes to those who wait,” it’s senior defensive end Zuriah Fisher.
Fisher, whose career at Penn State has been maligned with injuries, enters his senior season ready to display his potential.
Many have taken note of Fisher’s potential, as evidence by him headlong ESPN’s annual top sleeper breakout candidates.
ESPN noted previous breakout opportunities last season before a long-term injury ended Fisher’s season before it began.
During the 2023 season, Fisher had 17 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery in Penn State’s dominant 31-0 win against Iowa in the annual White Out.
“He’s almost 260 pounds, he’s got freaky long arms, he’s able to play the run and be physical and match up, based on strength, size and technique,” Penn State head coach James Franklin described Fisher’s physical attributes to ESPN.
“But he also has the ability to disrupt the quarterback. He’s a well-rounded defensive end who’s a mature guy and understands the game. He’s one of those guys that no one’s really talking about right now, and he’s an older player that we thought would have had a big year for us last year.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.The recognition of Fisher’s comeback has also extended nationally to the Comeback Player of the Year watch list presented by the Associated Press and Fiesta Sports Foundation.
“I’m feeling great, body feeling good. I’m very excited to get to work,” Zuriah Fisher said at Penn State Media Day. “I feel like my last season I played, I did OK with the reps that I had. This year I’m gonna have bigger reps, so I’m feeling great.”
Penn State opens their 2025 season at home against Nevada on August 30 at 3:30 PM. (Eastern)
