Penn State fans have seen the last of wide receiver Jahan Dotson. One of the school’s most accomplished wide receivers in program history, Dotson has announced he is declaring for the 2022 NFL draft and will opt out of the Outback Bowl.
“It’s been nothing but special to wear the Blue & White these past four years,” Dotson said in a released statement on Monday evening. “I will forever be thankful for the love Happy Valley has shown me and the people it has been brought into my life.”
“With that being said, I have decided to forgo the bowl game and declare for the 2022 NFL Draft,” Dotson announced. “To the best University and fans in the country, words cannot express how much I appreciate you guys.”
Dotson set out on a mission to be recognized as a Penn State legend prior to the start of the 2021 season, and it is safe to say he has more than left his mark on the program during his collegiate years. Dotson leaves Penn State as the school’s fourth all-time leading receiver with 2,757 yards and he is tied for the second-most touchdown receptions with 25 (tied with Kenny Jackson). Only Bobby Engram has more receiving touchdowns in Penn State history (31). Dotson set the Penn State single-game receiving record with 242 yards in a win over Maryland late in the 2021 season. Dotson owns two of the school’s top 10 single-game receiving records.
The decision to turn pro is hardly a surprise. Dotson had been viewed as a possible first-round pick all season long and his performance on the field did nothing to take away from that concept. Dotson is viewed as one of the best receivers in the nation, and it is very possible he will be selected in the first round by some NFL team in need of a little help at the receiver position.
I used to only dream in my sleep …
Thank you Nittany Nation for helping my dreams come true !
Love 5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/1ilEtBQZYG
— Jahan Dotson (@H55ZY) December 27, 2021
Penn State will now be without three key starters for the Outback Bowl as a result of opt-outs and the NFL. While Dotson is the first player on offense to opt out, the defense will be without its top two tacklers, starting linebackers Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks.
Penn State faces Arkansas in the 2022 Outback Bowl in Tampa on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
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