Zane Durant, DL, Penn State
Size:
Height: 6’1” (v) | Weight: 286 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2023)
“Zane Durant is an explosive defender who showcases the blend of power and agility to disrupt the line of scrimmage.”
Strengths:
Big-time athlete (9’10’’ broad jump, 4.44 short shuttle, and has reportedly benched 425 pounds).
Alignment versatility
Upfield push
Concerns:
Length
Stack/shed
Hand counters
Film Analysis:
Zane Durant primarily aligns as a 3-tech defensive lineman in the Penn State defense. His excellent first step allows him to penetrate the offensive line quickly. Burst off the snap is his most notable trait, often catching centers and guards on their heels. A bit of a tweener at this point in his evaluation, but versatility will allow coordinators to remain unique in their alignment up front. Not a massive human, but uses his low center of gravity to gain leverage against larger opponents.
Against the run, Durant’s fundamental strength allows him to hold his ground effectively. High-level motor. Consistently plays through the whistle and pursues plays downfield. Average when asked to consistently stack/shed linemen. Lack of length is evident when attempting to peek to locate ball-carriers at the line of scrimmage.
As a pass rusher, while Durant has a strong initial burst, his repertoire of pass-rush moves is a work in progress. Refining his hand usage and adding more moves to his arsenal (push-pull, long-arm, two-hand swipe) will make him a more formidable pass rusher. Has the athleticism/power to win both through and to the outside shoulder of opposing linemen, an intriguing trait.
Concerns remain about his overall size and length. He could benefit from adding a bit more bulk to his frame, particularly if he is to remain effective against larger, more technically refined offensive linemen at the next level. Potential added weight should not come at the expense of his agility and quickness, however. He can struggle with consistency in his technique and performance. Continued development and experience will help him become more reliable down-to-down.
Overall, Durant’s movement skills present an intriguing foundation for teams in need of athletes up front. Refining his technique and adding bulk (without losing his agility) will remain key to his development.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific
Written by: Ryan Fowler
