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 most outstanding freshman player in college football.
Cooper Cousins · Fri · OL · 6-6 · 316 · Erie, Pa. · McDowell
- Named to the True Freshman Preseason All-America teams by 247Sports, ESPN and On3.
- Played as a three-year letterman and two-time captain at McDowell High School.
- Accepted an invitation to the All-American Bowl.
- Was selected three times for All-State in 6A.
- Generally considered a four-star prospect.
- Ranked as the No. 110 overall prospect, No. 5 interior offensive lineman, and No. 3 prospect in Pennsylvania by On3.
- Ranked as the No. 111 overall prospect, No. 12 offensive tackle, and No. 2 prospect in PA by ESPN.
- Ranked as the No. 122 overall prospect, No. 2 interior lineman and No. 2 prospect in the state by 247Sports.com.
Launched in 2018, the Shaun Alexander Award recognizes these players’ outstanding performance and impact on their respective teams throughout the season. The Alexander Award is all about nurturing future legends and rates players on talent, character, ambassador and legend.
The Shaun Alexander Award will be whittled down to 14 semi-finalists on November 6 and the five finalists will be announced on December 4. The winner will be announced on December 26 and the award will be presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Ceremony on Friday March 14, 2025.
Penn State Football listed 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 Award for Freshman of the Year
Dani Dennis Sutton – Lott IMPACT Trophy, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Tyler Duzansky – Mannelly Prize
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 Prize
Chase Meyer – Lou Groza Prize
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 Prize, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Sal Wormley – Outland Trophy, Reese’s Senior Bowl
Penn State’s season opener at West Virginia on Aug. 31 will be televised at noon on FOX. The Nittany Lions return 42 key players from last year’s roster – 17 on offense, 22 on defense and three on special teams. They also return 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. to 4 p.m.
