Pair of Key Penn State Players ‘Not Available’ Through Early Portion of Spring Practice

Penn State’s spring game is nearing, and the status of a few notable players is under question. Dani Dennis-Sutton, a key returning starter at defensive end, and offensive lineman Nolan Rucci have not yet been seen through two practice viewing sessions open to the media this spring.

James Franklin was asked about both Dennis-Sutton and Rucci on Tuesday, and confirmed that they’re not out with long-term injuries, they’re just “not available right now.”

Dennis-Sutton, who tallied 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss this past season, is poised to fill the void left by All-American defensive end Abdul Carter. With Dennis-Sutton potentially limited in practice, that could increase the attention on fellow edge rushers Zuriah Fisher, Max Granville and Enai White, who are all competing for a starting spot.

Rucci is expected to enter a position battle at right tackle for the second consecutive year. But Rucci’s competitor, Anthony Donkoh, is also working his way back to the field after sustaining a season-ending leg injury against Minnesota on Nov. 23.

Donkoh ultimately won the right tackle job out of camp last fall, excelling in 10 starts, but was replaced by Rucci after the injury. Rucci, who transferred from Wisconsin last offseason, started the final six games of the year, including all three College Football Playoff contests.

J’Ven Williams, a former five-star recruit who appeared in all 16 games last season, will likely serve as the de facto top right tackle while Donkoh and Rucci are unavailable. Williams has experience playing in multiple spots along the offensive line, and has a “very, very bright future,” Franklin said.

“This spring, we’ve predominantly got him at tackle because, obviously, we’ve got two tackles that aren’t here right now, in terms of practicing,” Franklin said. “If they were here, then he’d be splitting time between tackle and guard and competing for one of those jobs as well. But it’s really good experience and really good opportunity for him. And the way he’s going right now, he’s going to end up being a part of that competition for the right tackle spot too.”