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NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

Penn State Football

Key Defensive Piece Returns to Practice for Penn State Football

Robert ShieldsPenn State Football

After starting off the season with a comfortable win over Nevada, Penn State Football is preparing for their second game of the season against FIU Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

As usual, Penn State and head coach James Franklin opened practice Wednesday night to the media while the Nittany Lions prepare for the Panthers.

Penn State Football
Penn State Football and head coach James Franklin open the 2025 season at 1-0 after knocking off Nevada. (Syndication: Hanover Evening Sun)

In the practice viewing window, one key defensive piece was seen for the first time in weeks for the Nittany Lions. Preseason projected starter at defensive end, senior Zuriah Fisher, was seen out on the practice field Wednesday night for the Nittany Lions.

In James Franklin’s weekly press conference Monday, Franklin noted that Fisher wanted to play against Nevada last Saturday, but the team decided to hold him out of the game because he had not practiced enough before the Nittany Lions opened the season.

With the sixth-year defensive end’s return to practice this week, Fisher could be on track to make his season debut at defensive end against the FIU Panthers Saturday.

After practice, Franklin confirmed that Fisher is a “go” for this Saturday’s game against FIU, but will be on a limited snap count as he returns from injury.

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What Zuriah Fisher’s Return Means for Penn State Football

Fisher is a former four-star linebacker recruit from the 2019 class that converted to defensive end during his time at Penn State.

Fisher has dealt with injury issues since arriving on campus, missing essentially two full seasons with injuries. During his most recent action for the Nittany Lions, Fisher appeared in 13 games on defense and special teams for the Nittany Lions in 2023, recording 17 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recover. Fisher then missed the entire 2024 season with an undisclosed injury that he is still working his way back from.

Penn State Football
Penn State Football DE Zuriah Fisher is back on the practice field, inching closer to a Nittany Lions return. (Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

With Dani Dennis-Sutton starting the season hot, Penn State is still looking for a second defensive end to pair with Dennis-Sutton.

On Saturday against Nevada, defensive ends Yvan Kemajou, Mylachi Williams, Jaylen Harvey, and Chaz Coleman registered only one total tackle rotating in at defensive end.

Fisher’s return to action for the Nittany Lions could be massive for the Penn State defense as the younger pieces on the roster continue to develop.

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