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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Anthony Donkoh's experience key to Penn State's O-line success
While Anthony Donkoh being a Big Ten media day representative for the Nittany Lions may seem a bit interesting, his loyalty and dedication to the program make him one of Penn State's most pivotal leaders headed into this season. The two-year starter has a point to prove after suffering through recent injuries. Still, being one of the offensive line's only returning starters makes him the connective tissue between the different starters. Therefore, when he discussed the O-line, he made sure to highlight the bond the players were building between each other.
“When you do things off the field and you’re able to bond really well, that immediately transfers to the field,” Donkoh said this week at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago . “We’re building trust and faith in each other before we even step on the field."
It's important to note that Donkoh will be protecting an all-new quarterback in Rocco Becht and creating running lanes for new running back Carson Hansen . That means that if the O-line is not prepared, chances are the new look offense struggles. Therefore, staying in sync on the field is important not only for the O-line as a whole, but for Donkoh's leadership.
“If the guys on the offensive line aren’t the closest group on the team, nothing good will happen,” Donkoh said. “It was pretty quick. The guys who were here and the guys who were coming in, we don’t have big egos or pride so it was very easy to get to know each other, build relationships and bond pretty quickly".
One important factor that could determine the O-line's success is Donkoh's health. Before Penn State's College Football Playoff semifinal run in 2024, he suffered a leg injury in the regular season and did not return. Last season wasn't much better as he had to battle through various ailments. Donkoh knows that for Penn State to gel and grow, his health is paramount.
“I got hurt and I wasn’t able to be part of the team that made that run,” he said. “I was able to internalize things and know that the worst is never the worst in life.”
This year, he has a chance to be a part of a special unit.
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