Penn State Football: Top-25 players of the James Franklin Era

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Defensive end Anthony Zettel #98 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football: Top-25 players of the James Franklin Era

806. . Defensive Lineman. Nittany Lions . Anthony Zettel. 15. player

For Anthony Zettel, his career in Happy Valley did not really take off until James Franklin arrived as the team’s head coach.

In 2014, Zettel playing in the interior of the defensive line for Penn State, putting together an incredibly productive season, one that saw him start to gain some attention on a national level.

Playing as a defensive tackle, Zettel had three interceptions, racked up 42 tackles, and was named first-team All-Big Ten, putting together a season stat line that was one for the ages. Also, he ranked nationally in both interceptions and sacks, and his three picks made him the first defensive lineman since 1959 to accomplish that feat.

In his final season with the Nittany Lions, Zettel would be moved outside, and his production suffered because of it. Still, he was named third-team All-Big Ten, racked up four sacks, and was named Honorable Mention All-American. His 20 career sacks are tied for seventh all-time with Rich McKenzie, and his versatility made him a sixth-round pick of his hometown Detroit Lions.

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