‘That was big for us’: James Franklin and Penn State veterans gush after senior bounces back from season-ending injury
When Zuriah Fisher steps onto the field at Beaver Stadium, he carries a profound sense of gratitude. The sixth-year senior defensive end for Penn State made his long-awaited season debut against FIU recently, marking a significant milestone after enduring a second major knee injury in his college career. For Fisher, a native of Aliquippa, the […]
When Zuriah Fisher steps onto the field at Beaver Stadium, he carries a profound sense of gratitude. The sixth-year senior defensive end for Penn State made his long-awaited season debut against FIU recently, marking a significant milestone after enduring a second major knee injury in his college career.
For Fisher, a native of Aliquippa, the game was more than just a return to action—it was his first-ever start as a Nittany Lion. The moment resonated deeply, not only with Fisher but also with head coach James Franklin and his fellow defensive linemen, who celebrated his comeback.
“It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Fisher said. “It feels so good to be back and playing. It felt good to be out there and playing and everything. It was a great feeling, and I felt so happy afterward.”
Zuriah Fisher’s Resilient Return to Penn State
Fisher’s journey has been far from easy. A spring injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, echoing a similar setback in 2022 that cost him most of that year. Yet, in his return game, Fisher made an immediate impact, pressuring the quarterback on the second play. While the stat sheet may not reflect it, his presence was undeniable.
“It was just great having him back,” Franklin said earlier this week. “He probably played a little bit more than I wanted him to play in terms of rep count, but he looked quick off the ball, looked confident. Mentally he looked confident, physically he looked confident. Emotionally, he had a big smile on his face. He was flying around and having fun. So I think that was big for us. We’re young at defensive end, so that experience and that leadership is important for us.”
Beyond football, Fisher’s resilience stems from personal tragedy. In the summer of 2021, he lost his mother, who was only 44. The challenges he’s faced surpass those of most of his peers, shaping him into a source of inspiration for his teammates. His perseverance has become a powerful lesson in overcoming adversity.
With expected contributor Max Granville sidelined by an offseason injury, Penn State has relied heavily on Fisher for the 2025 season. Tasked with anchoring the defensive line alongside veteran star Dani Dennis-Sutton, Fisher has also embraced a mentorship role, guiding young talents like promising freshman Chaz Coleman.
“That means the world to this D-Line,” added defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam. “Fish is like our glue guy. Probably one of the funniest dudes I’ve ever met. I’ve known him since last year, that’s like my old head. Seeing him out there, he almost had a sack the first couple of plays that he was in, I was excited to see it. If you was on the sideline, you’d see all the defensive line was excited to see him out there.”
