Zane Durant's journey at Penn State is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of growth. Emerging as a starter in his sophomore year, Durant quickly became a cornerstone of Penn State’s defense, earning accolades and respect across the Big Ten. In 2023, his impressive stats-42 tackles, 11 for loss, and three sacks-made him a standout force on the field.
Despite the option to declare for the NFL Draft, Durant chose to return for his senior year, joining classmates Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, and Dani Dennis-Sutton in a quest for a national championship. However, the season didn’t unfold as planned. The team stumbled, losing six games in a challenging stretch, a stark contrast to the previous three years where they lost just eight out of 42 games.
Individually, Durant faced his own set of challenges. While he increased his sack total to four, his tackles and tackles for loss dropped.
Yet, the adversity became a learning experience. “We did a lot of winning in my first three years,” Durant reflected at the NFL Combine.
“Last year prepared me for the next step.”
Penn State's late-season rally, ending with three consecutive wins, highlighted their resilience. “We just never gave up,” Durant said, embodying the spirit of the team.
Durant's performance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, was a showcase of his strengths. Known for his quickness and explosiveness, he demonstrated his ability to disrupt plays with speed and agility. “I’m twitchy and explosive,” he noted, emphasizing his ability to break through blocks and chase down plays.
Feedback from NFL scouts has been promising. Durant's quick get-off is a highlight, though there’s room to improve his motor and run defense. At under 300 pounds, he’s considered undersized, yet players like Aaron Donald have proven that size isn’t everything for a defensive tackle.
Admiring greats like Donald, Kenny Clark, Ed Oliver, Geno Atkins, and John Randle, Durant is eager to carve out his own legacy. Conversations with former teammates like Chop Robinson, Jaylen Reed, and Kobe King have kept him grounded during the combine process.
Durant’s focus is clear: rediscovering the joy of the game. Reflecting on last season’s pressures, he said, “You have to play football for the love of the game.
Keep it simple. Just have fun, man.”
As he prepares for the next chapter, Durant’s sights are set on playing free, fast, and with the passion that first drew him to the sport.