Confirming a February report by Sean Fitz, Penn State coach, Lions247 James Franklin publicly recognized a transition from position to second-year player Zuriah Fisher. The former four-star player will work with defensive ends during spring training, after spending his first year in the linebacker.
The 6-foot-3, 254-pound Fisher retains true freshman status due to an NCAA break in individual eligibility watches.
“We recruited Zuriah knowing that he could play as a linebacker, but also thinking that he could be a swing guy – based on their length and athleticism – to the defensive side, “said Franklin on Monday afternoon.” He is excited about it, we are excited about it. “
Its hybrid potential has been a topic of discussion, and Fitz predicted this adjustment six weeks ago, writing the following:
Zuriah Fisher played Sam’s linebacker last season as a real freshman, even appearing at the end of the season against Illinois, but he is expected to move to the defensive end in the off-season. The change, if you have followed Fisher since his recruitment, has been expected for some time. Fisher was the 18th defensive position on the weak side of the country for the 247Sports Composite in the 2020 Class and the 9th player in that position in his class for the 247Sports.
Fisher’s size has always made him an extreme defensive potential. Despite registering at just 6-3, its 34.5-inch arms ensure that length is not an issue. When he was a recruit, it seemed that the move was already underway, as he already weighed 255 pounds during a visit during his senior year. He appeared in a 230 trim, however, the decision was made to start him as a linebacker. He must be able to regain that weight quickly.
Again north of the 250-pound mark, Fisher joins a defensive end group that is to replace the beginners Jayson Oweh and Shaka Toney while reinforcing the depth. Lions of Nittany also said goodbye to the second team option Shane Simmons in this off season.
Franklin explained on Monday that the team is looking for a reliable rotation of at least five employees to emerge this spring.
RELATED: Designing Penn State’s Spring Depth Chart
Second year Adisa Isaac is the most seasoned member of the Penn State return collection on the defensive end, while the junior transfer to the Temple Arnold Ebiketie won all AAC honors last season. Second year redshirt Nick Tarburton, who also transitioned from the linebacker early in his university career, struggled with injury problems on campus, but is experiencing a strong offseason that is creating a buzz about his potential role.
In addition to these three, all contestants with defensive end early scholarships are eligible for freshmen, including Fisher, Rodney McGraw and Bryce Mostella, Amin Vanover, Smith Vilbert. Defensive line technician John Scott Jr. is in his second year supervising this room, while the former Lions of Nittany Deion Barnes has guaranteed attention for his work as a graduate assistant.
As a four-star prospect at Aliquippa (Pa.) High School, Fisher gave up Michigan’s commitment plans and ended Penn State. The Lions of Nittany hired two blue-chip linebacker recruits next to him, landing Tyler Elsdon and Curtis Jacobs.
“Fisher’s the film really stands out, “said 247Sports recruiting director Steve Wiltfong during the 2020 recruitment cycle.” He is as physical as any player in the Nittany Lions class; a specimen with a short area burst and tacky ability to change direction that feels comfortable playing in space and brings an element of quick pass as well. It looks like it will blossom into a threat on the edge. “
Described by Franklin on Signature Day as “a hammer,” Fisher will fight for immediate opportunities in his new one as training begins.
The field is defined! Create a pool of brackets to compete against friends or play alone for the chance to win a new Nissan Rogue and a college basketball dream trip. Get in on the action today.
VIP LIONS247 OFFER: 30% off annual subscription or $ 1 for 1 month