James Franklin ready for two Penn State freshmen to burn their redshirts

Leading up to Penn State’s Week 1 matchup with West Virginia, James Franklin told reporters that offensive lineman Cooper Cousins and safety Dejuan Lane have been given the “green light” to burn their redshirt status in their true freshman season. Players are allowed to appear in up to four games while retaining their redshirt year, so Franklin expects Cousins and Lane to be consistent contributors for the Nittany Lions. 

Cousins is likely to slot in as the team’s backup center behind redshirt senior and team captain Nick Dawkins, but will also be a primary backup at left and right guard behind Vega Ioane and Sal Wormley. Franklin and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki have both told reporters that Penn State plans to use an eight-man rotation on the offensive line this year, and Cousins with this recent announcement, it’s clear that Cousins will be an important piece of the puzzle up front. 

The 6-foot-6 316-pound true freshman rose to five-star status and has been the most talked about member of the 2024 recruiting class since his arrival in Happy Valley. Lane, however, has flown under the radar through fall camp. The four-star athlete from Baltimore, Maryland did not early-enroll, arriving in Happy Valley in June. 

Safety is one of Penn State’s strongest position groups with two returning starters, Kevin Winston Jr. and Jaylen Reed. However, with question marks at cornerback, Reed will play plenty of his snaps at slot corner, creating an opportunity for redshirt junior Zakee Wheatley and Lane to see action on Tom Allen’s defense. 

Beyond Cousins and Lane, Franklin said that other freshmen could also burn their redshirt status if needed. The top candidates would likely all be on the offensive side with Quinton Martin Jr. battling for the third running back spot, five-star tight end Luke Reynolds potentially backing up Tyler Warren, and wide receiver Tyseer Denmark impressing since his showing up in Happy Valley.