Nick Dawkins has seen more than enough of Zane Durant during practice the last three-plus seasons to appreciate how talented the Penn State senior is.

“He’s made me a better player because he allows me to compete against the best,” Dawkins said Tuesday. “I think Zane Durant is the best defensive tackle in the country because there’s no flaw to his game.

“It’s tough in practice because sometimes you’re like, ‘Man, this guy’s good.’ But he’s only gotten me better.”

Dawkins, a Parkland High School graduate about to begin his second season as the starting center, and Durant, a preseason All-American, are the rocks upon which the Nittany Lions’ foundation is built.

It’s been at least five decades since Penn State’s offensive and defensive lines began the same season with such great expectat

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