UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State freshman offensive lineman Cooper Cousins was named to the Shaun Alexander Award watch list on Wednesday. Cousins is one of 37 members of the preseason watch list.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award is presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the outstanding freshman player in college football.
Cooper Cousins · Fr. · OL · 6-6 · 316 · Erie, Pa. · McDowell
- Landed on True Freshman Preseason All-America teams by 247Sports, ESPN and On3.
- Played at McDowell High School as a three-year letterman and two-time captain.
- Accepted an invitation to play in the All-American Bowl.
- Was a three-time all-state selection in 6A.
- Rated as a consensus four-star prospect.
- Ranked as the No. 110 overall prospect, No. 5 interior offensive lineman and No. 3 prospect in Pennsylvania by On3.
- Tabbed as the No. 111 overall prospect, No. 12 offensive tackle and No. 2 prospect in PA by ESPN.
- Named as the No. 122 overall prospect, No. 2 interior lineman and No. 2 prospect in the state by 247Sports.com.
The Shaun Alexander Award, started in 2018, recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season. The Alexander Award is all about championing future legends and evaluates players based on talent, character, ambassador and legend.
The Shaun Alexander Award will be narrowed down to 14 semifinalists on November 6 and the five finalists will be revealed on December 4. The winner will be announced on December 26 and the award will be presented on Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Maxwell Football Club Awards ceremony.
Penn State Football Recognized On Preseason Watch Lists:
Drew Allar – Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Manning Award, Maxwell Award, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Kaytron Allen – Doak Walker Award, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Abdul Carter – Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Nagurski Trophy, Reese’s Senior Bowl, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award
Cooper Cousins – Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award
Dani Dennis-Sutton – Lott IMPACT Trophy, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Tyler Duzansky – Mannelly Award
Omari Evans – Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Julian Fleming – Reese’s Senior Bowl
Olaivavega Ioane – Polynesian Player of the Year Award
Dvon J-Thomas – Polynesian Player of the Year Award
Kobe King – Butkus Award
Chase Meyer – Lou Groza Award
JB Nelson – Reese’s Senior Bowl
Jaylen Reed – Reese’s Senior Bowl
Nolan Rucci – Reese’s Senior Bowl
Nicholas Singleton – Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, Paul Hornung Award, Reese’s Senior Bowl, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award
Riley Thompson – Ray Guy Award
Tyler Warren – Mackey Award, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Kevin Winston Jr. – Bednarik Award, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Sal Wormley – Outland Trophy, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Penn State's season opener at West Virginia on Aug. 31 will kick at noon on FOX. The Nittany Lions return 42 lettermen from last year’s squad – 17 on offense, 22 on defense and three on special teams and bring back 16 starters – seven on offense, seven on defense and two on special teams.
For club and ticket information for the 2024 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.