Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Anthony Zettel Draws Preseason All-Big Ten Honors

The accolades continue to pile up for Penn State’s defensive superstar, as Anthony Zettel was recently named to the preseason All-Big Ten Team.

This should, of course, come as a surprise to no one given the monster year Zettel enjoyed in 2014-15. The mammoth defensive lineman posted 42 total tackles, 17 for a loss, eight sacks, and three interceptions, placing him among the nation’s top defensive linemen. The honor of being selected to the preseason All-Big Ten list is just one of the numerous preseason accolades Zettel has garnered, as his name has also been cast into the Nagurski, Rotary Lombardi, and Outland Trophy watchlists for the upcoming season — and it’s plausible that, with another huge season, that Zettel could walk away with all three awards at the end of the season.

The only minor surprise from the All-Big Ten Team is that Zettel is the only Nittany Lion on it. DaeSean Hamilton, Austin Johnson, Jordan Lucas, Nyeem Wartman-White, Brandon Bell, and of course Christian Hackenberg all were likely considered for the honor, but were ultimately edged out.

With the additional hype comes increased focus on Zettel from opposing offensive coordinators, who will want no part of Zettel come game time. Zettel was fortunate last season after switching positions, as he flew low on the radars of opposing coordinators. This season, however, he will be the focal point, and should expect to see plenty of double teams and plays to the outside — far away from Zettel’s place on the interior.

All of the hype surrounding Penn State’s defensive anchor is warranted. Zettel has a chance to cement his status as one of the premier defenders in all of college football, and put his name atop draft boards across the NFL.

No. 98 will be certainly be a player to watch out for this year, and he won’t just be good. Anthony Zettel could be special in 2015-16.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

David Abruzzese

David is a senior from Rochester, NY, nestled right in beautiful Western New York. He is majoring in Broadcast Journalism, and as an avid sports fan, he passionately supports the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. He is the first Penn Stater from his family, and couldn’t be prouder to represent Penn State University. In his free time, he likes to alpine ski, and play golf. You can follow him on Twitter @abruz11, and can contact him via email at [email protected].

Zion Sykes Elected UPUA Student Body President

Sykes is a junior double majoring in political science and global and international politics and hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Penn State Alum Taking Passion For Storytelling & Cooking To Next Level

Gabrielle Chappel has taken her skills to FOX’s “Next Level Chef” where she competes on Team Ramsay.

Decorating Downtown: State College Resident Paints Town & Faces

Whether it’s faces or windows, local painter Emily Cooper has you covered.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by David

So Long, And Goodnight: David Abruzzese’s Senior Column

It’s been a hell of a ride, folks. Senior staffer David Abruzzese rides off into the sunset with his senior column.

Saquon Barkley Mum On NFL Future; Relishes Fiesta Bowl Opportunity

DOTD: Nittany Lion Catches Pass At Fiesta Bowl