Confirming a February report from Lions247’s Sean Fitz, Penn State head coach James Franklin publicly acknowledged a position transition for second-year player Zuriah Fisher. The former four-star prospect will work with defensive ends during spring practice after spending his freshman year at linebacker.
The 6-foot-3, 254-pound Fisher retains true freshman status due to an NCAA pause on individual eligibility clocks.
“We recruited Zuriah knowing that he could play linebacker but also thinking that he could be a swing guy — based on his length and athleticism — to defensive end,” Franklin said Monday afternoon. “He’s excited about that, we’re excited about that.”
His hybrid potential has long been a topic of discussion, and Fitz forecasted this adjustment six weeks ago, writing the following:
Zuriah Fisher played the Sam linebacker role last season as a true freshman, even appearing in the season finale against Illinois, but he is expected to move to defensive end in the offseason. The move, if you’ve followed along with Fisher since his recruitment, has been expected for some time. Fisher was the nation’s No. 18 weak-side defensive end nationally by the 247Sports Composite in the Class of 2020 and the No. 9 player at that position in his class by 247Sports.
Fisher’s size always made him a potential defensive end. Despite checking in at just 6-3, his 34.5-inch arms ensure that length is not an issue. When he was a recruit, it seemed as if the move was already in the works, as he was already 255 pounds during a visit during his senior year. He showed up at a trim 230, however, so the decision was made to start him at linebacker. He should be able to make up that weight fairly quickly.
Again north of that 250-pound mark, Fisher joins a defensive end group that must replace starters Jayson Oweh and Shaka Toney while reinforcing depth. The Nittany Lions also said goodbye to second-team option Shane Simmons this offseason.
Franklin explained on Monday the staff searching for a reliable rotation of at least five contributors to emerge this spring.
RELATED: Projecting Penn State’s spring depth chart
Sophomore Adisa Isaac is the most experienced member of Penn State’s returning collection at defensive end, while junior Temple transfer Arnold Ebiketie earned All-AAC honors last season. Redshirt sophomore Nick Tarburton, who also transitioned from linebacker early in his collegiate career, has battled injury issues on campus but is delivering a strong offseason that’s creating buzz about his potential role.
Beyond those three, all anticipated scholarship competitors at defensive end carry freshman eligibility, including Fisher, Rodney McGraw and Bryce Mostella, Amin Vanover, Smith Vilbert. Defensive line coach John Scott Jr. is in his second year overseeing this room, while former Nittany Lions edge rusher Deion Barnes has warranted attention for his work as a graduate assistant.
As a four-star prospect at Aliquippa (Pa.) High School, Fisher backed off Michigan State commitment plans and ended up with Penn State. The Nittany Lions signed two blue-chip linebacker recruits alongside him, landing Tyler Elsdon and Curtis Jacobs.
“Fisher’s film really pops,” 247Sports recruiting director Steve Wiltfong said during that 2020 recruiting cycle. “He is as physical as any player in the Nittany Lions class; a specimen with short-area burst and change-of-direction tackle ability who is comfortable playing in space and brings a pass rushing element too. He seems like he’ll blossom into a menace on the edge.”
Described by Franklin on Signing Day as “a hammer”, Fisher will fight for immediate opportunities in his new as practices get underway.
The field is set! Create a bracket pool to compete against friends or play solo for your chance to win a brand new Nissan Rogue and a college basketball dream trip. Get in the action today.
LIONS247 VIP OFFER: 30% off annual subscription or $1 for 1 month
