Penn State got a scare in the fourth quarter against USC when freshman defensive back Josiah Zayas left the game after an apparent injury, then later returned to the field.
Zayas, who has become a key part of D’Anton Lynn’s defense this season, was operating in an even larger role in Week 6 with Zion Tracy shifted back to safety. With Zayas now the primary starter at nickel, his exit came at a tense moment: Penn State was trailing 24-23 and USC was driving.
He was tended to by the training staff before eventually limping off under his own power. He did not appear to be contacted on the play, and according to Lions247’s Daniel Gallen, Zayas slammed his helmet down in frustration once he reached the sideline.
Zayas later returned to the game in the fourth quarter.
The freshman has already made his mark this season, including a pick-six in his Big Ten debut against Wisconsin. A three-star recruit, he climbed quickly in fall camp and has done a lot of his best work near the line of scrimmage as a run-fitter from the secondary.
Coverage has been more of a work in progress, and USC freshman receiver Trent Mosely took advantage of that on Saturday night. Mosely also caught a 21-yard pass over Zayas on the play before the injury.
Zayas’ exit briefly pushed Tracy back into the nickel spot, but that adjustment didn’t hold for long. Tracy then missed on a crossing route that led to a 10-yard touchdown for true freshman wideout Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. Tracy had been moved to safety for Week 6 after spending time earlier this year at outside corner, and it appears he’ll be back in his natural spot going forward.
If Zayas had been forced out for good, Penn State would have had other options to absorb snaps at nickel. Marcus Neal Jr., who started the year at safety before being benched, could have seen more time in a rotation with Jamison Patton and Jeremiah Cooper.
Patton is third on the team in slot snaps, while Tony Rojas and Jeremiah Cooper are tied for fourth. If D’Anton Lynn wants another body at nickel, Xxavier Thomas or Tyrell Chatman could also be called on.
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