Top 25 Player Profile, DE Dani Dennis-Sutton

USA Today

7 days ago

Last year, Dani Dennis-Sutton was part of one of the most dynamic edge-rushing duos in the entire country. Along with Abdul Carter, the both of them wreaked havoc on the Big Ten and then all the way to the CFP semifinal. Unfortunately, Carter did not get to the championship stage in his final year as a Nittany Lion. This year, now having the edge all to himself, Dennis-Sutton has the opportunity to rewrite his own narrative and not just follow in Carter's footsteps, but overtake them and potentially even get out from under his shadow as well. Here is how Dennis-Sutton's final season could turn out.
2024 in Review
Even with Abdul Carter as the hero of the defense last year, Dani Dennis-Sutton was the perfect sidekick. In a career year, he contributed 42 tackles, 13 for loss, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, one fumble recovery, three pass breakups, and nine QB hurries. His sack totals were enough for sixth in the conference and his TFL totals saw him fifth. To top it all off, he received the accolades worthy of his performance, getting selected as an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
This year, Dennis-Sutton is primed for an electric encore, wanting to prove that he is more than just a sidekick. Now the main man on the edge, look for Dennis-Sutton to dominate in situations where he must generate pressure himself. While he almost certainly does not not have a chip on his shoulder, week in and week out, he will play like he does. Penn State fans should be getting their popcorn ready for what Dennis-Sutton is about to do.
Biggest Question for 2025
While not specifically concerning Dennis-Sutton himself, one glaring question Penn State must answer is who will emerge opposite him on the other edge? While Zuriah Fisher is the presumptive starter as a redshirt senior, the Nittany Lions might want to look at the young depth they have at the position as well. While it would be great if Dennis-Sutton achieved last year's stats by himself this year, it would be fantastic if they found him not only a perfect running mate, but someone who can aptly fill his shoes after he departs. Penn State's M.O is to keep churning out stellar edge talent, and this year will be no different.
On another note, a more personal topic concerning Dennis-Sutton stems from his snub from the preseason All-American squad and whether or not he felt slighted by it. While Zane Durant, after a breakout campaign last year, was the lone representative from the Nittany Lion defense, many felt that Dennis-Sutton deserved that praise as well, if not more so . Like I mentioned, Dennis-Sutton will always play as if there's a chip on his shoulder and if he plays that way over a 16 game season, I guarantee you that every Big Ten team will have to watch out.
2025 will be a success if...
Dennis-Sutton steps out of Abdul Carter's shadow and is the main man for the Penn State defense. Zane Durant may be the preseason All-American this time, but everyone knows who will be the overwhelming leader on that side of the ball. Dennis-Sutton's high motor will give this defense the energy and intensity it needs sans Carter, and perhaps it won't even miss a beat. Another asset that Dennis-Sutton brings to the table as the new leader of the defense is his all-encompassing talents, not just as a pass-rusher, but making plays in the run game as well. While he may not be known for his explosiveness, his instincts more than make up for it.
Look for Dennis-Sutton to maybe even eclipse some of his stats from last year. He really may just be a do-everything man for the Nittany Lions this year. But that might be just the way he wants it.
2025 will be a disappointment if...
Dennis-Sutton looks lost without Carter, the defense lacks trust in his leadership abilities, and most importantly, it leads to failures in their championship aspirations. There will certainly be a lot of pressure for Dennis-Sutton to deliver, especially on the biggest stages. Penn State fans more importantly know what's at stake as well and may turn to frustration and anger if the defense can't hold up their end of the bargain. It also not just about Dennis-Sutton, but his younger teammates who want to step into his role as the future of the team. He must show them what it takes to be an elite edge rusher, and thus, that could lead to Dennis-Sutton's own frustrations.
While Dennis-Sutton's goals are there for the taking, all he has been through to even get to this point in his career will test him mightily. Either he is everything Penn State coaches, fans, and teammates think he is to be, or he is someone who didn't take their chance to be a star. Right now, Dennis-Sutton seems as if he's on the right path. It could all unravel quickly though if he's not up to par.
Realistic Outlook for 2025
Dennis-Sutton's expectations for himself and for the squad are mighty high, so expect Dennis-Sutton to do whatever he can to help both causes. While last year's stat line was good enough then, it may not satisfy Penn State fans this season. It's one thing to be a stellar sidekick in a season in which you overachieve. It's quite another to have to fill someone's shows in one of the biggest years in your school's history. Dennis-Sutton has a chance to do something his predecessor couldn't: win a national championship. He must take that chance in order to be remembered even more fondly by the fanbase.
Should Dennis-Sutton play the way we know he can, there should be no reason for any slippage from this defensive unit. It's whether he can handle the immense pressure that comes with expectation that remains to be seen.