Nick Dawkins has seen much during his six seasons on the Penn State football team.
He arrived in State College in 2020 when the Nittany Lions endured the pandemic-shortened season.
He’s been a part of 51 wins, 25 losses, four New Year’s Six bowl appearances and Penn State’s first College Football Playoff berth and two wins.
He’s played for three offensive coordinators and two head coaches.
He overcame shoulder surgery to become a two-year starter and a two-time team captain.
“So much happens while doing anything for six years,” Dawkins said Tuesday. “I’ve been on the forefront of a lot of change in college football (such as players being paid). I could not have even guessed what was going to happen.
“I guess it was transformative. It’s been really cool to be here. I’ve been a part of a lot of different, cool, awesome, changing, weird things.”
Dawkins and many of his teammates will play their final regular season game for Penn State (2-6 Big Ten, 5-6) against Rutgers (2-6, 5-6) Saturday at 3:30 (TV-BTN) at SHI Stadium in New Jersey.
His mother, Janice, his two sisters and several relatives and friends will make the drive from the Lehigh Valley to watch Dawkins make his 28th consecutive start at center.
With a win, the Lions would become bowl eligible and perhaps extend their season.
“It’d be awesome to get another win for Terry (interim head coach Terry Smith) and for the seniors,” Dawkins said. “We obviously had a little bit of a tough stretch there. I think that’s what most men are measured by, who we are whenever adversity stands against us and how we overcome it.”
A former Parkland High standout, Dawkins will leave his mark at Penn State. He won the 2024 Danny Wuerffel Trophy as the Football Bowl Subdivision player who best combines community service, academic achievement and athletic performance. He’s a semifinalist for this year’s Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.
He’s been a friend and mentor to many of his teammates.
“He’s a guy I’ve looked up to ever since I came here,” said quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, a redshirt freshman. “He’s been a great mentor to me. He and I have a great relationship. Every day in the locker room I sit with him.
“He’s a super smart guy. He has a lot of knowledge about this place. He’s been here and been through everything. I’m still learning a lot from him. I’m super grateful to be able to play with him.”
Dawkins said his favorite memories at Penn State have been the meals he’s shared with teammates at State College haunts such as The Corner Room and The Waffle Shop.
“You remember the games and everything else associated with Penn State,” he said. “But I’m going to remember the people, my friends, my brothers for life. I was just at The Waffle Shop with (punter) Riley Thompson.
“That’s the best part of all of this, going out to eat and hanging out with your guys. That’s how you get through all the craziness that goes on in our lives, taking a minute to sit down, reflect, talk and eat.”
When Dawkins decided to return to Penn State for this season, he (and many others) expected the Lions to contend for the Big Ten and national championships. Their hopes evaporated with a six-game losing streak, which included the firing of head coach James Franklin.
With four returning starters, the offensive line was expected to be one of the very best in the country. But they and the entire team struggled until winning the last two games against Michigan State and Nebraska.
“We found our groove a little later than we wanted to,” Dawkins said after the 37-10 rout of Nebraska. “We found things that we’re doing well. We’re exploiting them on defenses. We’re finding success. Trust me, I really, really wish we did that earlier.
“But sometimes the ball just doesn’t roll your way. The way that we work, I wish that it hit sooner.”
Whether his college career ends Saturday at Rutgers or in a bowl game, Dawkins is most grateful for the friendships he’s made.
“I’m most thankful for the brotherhood,” he said. “It might sound like a cliche, but I’ve truly met guys in the last six years who will be in my wedding and who will be in my life forever. We’re connected for the rest of our lives.
“I owe that to Penn State and the experience of Penn State football.”
