Jonathan Sutherland Will Be First Penn State Player to Wear No. 0

Redshirt junior Jonathan Sutherland will be the first player to don No. 0 in Penn State football history.

The team announced his selection through social media on Saturday night.

“The individual wearing zero represents all of us and drives our culture. He is a tough, dependable, disciplined, physical leader who inspires teammates with his accountability and production,” the post said.

It comes as no surprise that the safety/special teams ace was given this honor. Many of Sutherland’s teammates named him a top choice to receive the number when the Nittany Lions announced a special teamer would wear it.

Penn State originally said that No. 0 would be a “game-changer” above all else. Sutherland, who blocked two punts in one game against Idaho his sophomore season, certainly fits the bill.

The Canada native was also recently named as a captain for the 2020 season. He’ll serve alongside kicker Jordan Stout as a leader of special teams this year.

Sutherland appeared in all 13 games both his freshman and sophomore years. He registered 38 total tackles, two tackles-for-losses, and a forced fumble during an impressive freshman campaign. He’ll likely vie for more playing time in the secondary behind Lamont Wade and Jaquan Brisker this year.