Two big pieces of Penn State’s 2025 roster — literally and figuratively — have been noteworthy absences through one week of spring practice in Happy Valley.
Neither offensive tackle Nolan Rucci nor defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton have been present during two open portions of practice for local media.
Could it be something more long-term for those two? Not according to James Franklin.
“They’re just not available right now,” he said Tuesday night.
Each of those players will be among the most important for Penn State in a season filled with championship aspirations and expectations.
Dennis-Sutton leads a defensive end group light on experience after losing Abdul Carter, Amin Vanover and Smith Vilbert from the room.
A former five-star prospect in the 2022 class, Dennis-Sutton had a season in 2024 that warranted a strong NFL Draft selection. He finished with 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks alongside two forced fumbles, three pass breakups and a wild interception in the Orange Bowl.
His performance in the College Football Playoff was a strong indicator of his NFL future, but he’s now back with a chance to turn himself into a first-round pick — and lead a talented Penn State defense through 2025.
Rucci, a redshirt senior, was perhaps Penn State’s most-improved player in 2024. He took over for the injured Anthony Donkoh at right tackle, starting the final five games with stellar play. He struggled at the beginning of the season, but according to PFF, he improved his play to 70- or 80-level grades for each of those games down the stretch
The former top prospect in Pennsylvania returned home after starting his career at Wisconsin, taking some time to add proper weight to his massive 6-8 frame. Now playing around a more comfortable 308 pounds, Rucci will once again factor into Penn State’s plans at right, and maybe even left, tackle.
All around, it’s good news that both Rucci and Dennis-Sutton shouldn’t be out for too long.
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