Penn State football offensive lineman Cooper Cousins and safety Dejuan Lane have been given the “green light” by James Franklin to burn their redshirt status this season.

By burning their redshirt, the pair will appear in more than four contests this season, giving them sophomore status heading into the 2025 season.

While Cousins and Lane are being green-lit before the season starts, Franklin said more players may be added to the category as the season rolls on.

“There’s going to be guys after game one that become green lights based on how they play or based on some bumps and bruises,” Franklin said. “We’re gonna try and manage it and be strategic for as long as we can.”

Cousins came to Penn State in January from McDowell High School in Erie, Pennsylvania, as part of the recruiting class of 2024. The four-star recruit entered Happy Valley as the second-ranked prospect in Pennsylvania and the second-ranked prospect at his position, according to 247Sports.

So far, the 315-pound lineman has taken practice reps at center and guard.

Cousins is part of an offensive line with a lot of experience as all of this year’s projected starters saw significant game action last year. While there’s experience at the position, only Sal Wormely started in every game last year.

Unlike Cousins, Lane didn’t early enroll at Penn State and only arrived on campus in June. According to 247Sports, the Baltimore, Maryland, native was a four-star recruit who was ranked the No. 11 prospect in Maryland and the No. 31 safety in the Class of 2024.

The speedy safety totaled 61 tackles and an interception during his senior year in high school and also ran track throughout his high school career, according to 247Sports.

The safety room is bringing back starters K.J. Winston and Jaylen Reed, entering their third and fourth years, respectively. Last year, Winston led the team in tackles with 60, while Reed finished the year with 46 tackles and two interceptions.

Despite only naming two green lights right now, Franklin noted that the depth chart is always changing. With the 12-team playoff introducing the possibility of a longer season, depth will be extremely important. While extenuating circumstances could force more green lights, Franklin also said that there are more players showing talent in practice that could play their way into true freshman status as the season wears on.

“It’s like a moving target,” Franklin said. “There are other guys that I think if we needed to, we can green light and go. Right now, it’s those two, and could be more.”