Penn State Football offensive line signee Cooper Cousins has been a longtime mainstay on the Nittany Lions‘ recruiting scene as the first commit in Penn State’s 2024 class dating all the way back to January 2022.

Despite being Penn State’s first 2024 commit by almost a year, Cousins never waivered in his commitment to the Nittany Lions and took every opportunity to camp at Penn State and be coached up by Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.

Now, after waiting almost two full years after committing, Cousins is set to enroll early at Penn State this month.

However, before heading to State College to get his career with Penn State started, Cousins is spending this week at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

OL cooper Cousins during @AABonNBC 1-on-1s @CharlesPower https://t.co/uA1ea1Qtv6 pic.twitter.com/b1I8XvPPKk

— Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) January 2, 2024

At 6-foot-6 inches and 310 pounds, the four-star Erie, Pennsylvania prospect is standing out at the All-American Bowl in practice this week.

Cousins was named to the “All-Lobby Team” by 247Sports for his work at the All-American Bowl this week noting that Cousins “may represent a true O-line chameleon in his position versatility, considering his physical tools and on-field experience.”

Cousins also earned a shoutout from one of 247Sports’ national recruiting analysts for his reps at the All-American Bowl as well.

Penn State signee Cooper Cousins has had some good reps today pic.twitter.com/cJaLIW4OzU

— Mike Roach (@MikeRoach247) January 2, 2024

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What Cooper Cousins Brings Penn State Football

Cousins played three different positions on the offensive line this year at McDowell High School, including experience at center.

Penn State signee Cooper Cousins with a PANCAKE block💪@adamgorney | @RivalsFriedman | @gregsmithrivals | @RivalsCorey | @RivalsRichie | @PennStateRivals pic.twitter.com/aDI0Faaed5

— Rivals (@Rivals) January 2, 2024

With Penn State replacing at least three starters on the offensive line, the Nittany Lions have taken to the transfer portal and internal competition for competition at each offensive line position next season.

After Alan Herron’s decommitment from Penn State, James Franklin and Co. are still looking for its first offensive line commit from the transfer portal with the window to enter the transfer portal ending this week.

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Could Cooper Cousins Play Immediately for Penn State Football?

Earning playing time as a true freshman is rare in the Big Ten and other major conferences in college football, however, Penn State has shown in recent years that the Nittany Lions’ staff will not shy away from playing a true freshman along the line if the player is ready.

After injuries to Caedan Wallace and Olu Fashanu in 2022, Penn State started true freshman Drew Shelton at left tackle in five games.

Like Shelton, Cousins is a top 200 prospect, with Cousins ranking slightly higher than Shelton did as a prospect at 109th nationally in the 247Sports composite rankings. With winter conditioning to get acclimated to the Penn State strength and conditioning program and spring and fall camps to learn the playbook and prove his talent, Cousins will have plenty of opportunity to push for playing time before the 2024 season begins.

After the loss to Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl, Franklin stressed the need for “uncomfortable” conversations inside the program heading into next season to get Penn State where the program wants to be.

With the expansion of the playoff to 12 teams next season and the expansion of the Big Ten, Penn State will need competition at every position and players pushing to elevate the room.

Whether Cousins plays next season or not, he will be a key piece for Penn State’s offensive line for years to come.

MORE: 3 New Transfer Portal Targets for Penn State

 

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