The thought of every Penn State veteran playing in this year’s Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson wasn’t a realistic one, and Monday evening, the first Penn State veteran announced his decision to opt out of the game.
Zane Durant, a three-year starter at defensive tackle, announced via Instagram that he’s played his last college football game.
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Durant came to Penn State as part of the celebrated 2022 recruiting class that featured players such as Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Abdul Carter, and ended up being among the class’ top contributors.
Now, his focus shifts to the NFL Draft.
WHAT DURANT WROTE
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now
“I want to thank Penn State University for the memories and experiences that it has given me. I would like to thank Coach Deion, Coach Manny, Coach Dex, Coach Scott, Coach Allen and Coach Terry,” Durant wrote.
For the past four years, I want to thank everyone I got to work with while attending Penn State.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.I also want to thank the Lord because without him this wouldn’t be possible. Thank you momma and pops for everything y’all instilled in me.
I want to thank Coach Franklin for giving me the opportunity to attend Penn State, and for being a mentor and example to me.
With that being said, I will be opting out of playing in the bowl and will be declaring for the 2026 NFL draft.”
WHO WILL REPLACE HIM?
So who will replace Durant at starting defensive tackle against Clemson? Well, Xavier Gilliam (379 snaps per Pro Football Focus) and Alonzo Ford Jr. (308 snaps) have had a similar workload, so one would assume those are the two starting defensive tackles if both are good to go.
It’s also likely that Ty Blanding (182 snaps) would get an increased role.
In any case, replacing Durant won’t be easy.
He’ll end his college career with 22 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and a pick.
