Penn State football defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton was named the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Michigan State on Saturday.

Dennis-Sutton lit up the stat sheet with 13 pressures, two tackles for loss, and two sacks. The senior also blocked his third punt of the year, tying the single-season record at Penn State.

The Millsboro, Delaware, native was expected to have a breakout season, but has struggled with consistency at times. He now sits at a team leading five sacks this season, adding 31 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.

Dennis-Sutton is one of the many leaders who have stepped up for Penn State in the tumultuous 2025 season. Despite an already high draft stock, the defensive end has stuck with the team and given high effort.

“I’m super proud of him [Dennis-Sutton]; he’s been working really, really hard. He’s one of our leaders,” Terry Smith said after the Michigan State win. “In today’s times, on some teams, guys like that will opt out. His effort today, two sacks, a blocked kick, it’s incredible. He just plays so hard. He gives everything.”