Jaquan Brisker declares for NFL, will skip Outback Bowl

Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker declares for NFL, will skip Outback Bowl

Penn State’s defense took another hit ahead of its matchup with Arkansas in the Outback Bowl. Safety Jaquan Brisker has confirmed his decision to opt-out of the bowl game and begin focusing on his future in the NFL. Brisker announced his decision on Monday with a message posted to his Twitter account.

“Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of playing on a big stage and that dream became reality. Trying to be a great role model to the kids back home, showing them it’s possible,” Brisker said in his statement on Monday. “With that being said, I will be forgoing our bowl game and I will be focusing on preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft. I’ve waited for this all my life and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Brisker’s decision to head to the NFL was expected. Brisker could have gone off to the NFL after last season but he decided to return for another year with the Nittany Lions. After a stellar 2021 season, there is no reason to come back for another year of college football for Brisker, as his time to go pro has certainly arrived.

Brisker entered the season highly regarded as one of the top safeties in college football, and his play on the field all season backed that up. Brisker was reliable for some big pass breakups and key tackles all season long, and he even came up with some timely interceptions.

Brisker is the third starting defensive player to opt-out of the Outback Bowl for the Nittany Lions. Brisker follows starting linebackers Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks in opting out to focus on the NFL draft cycle. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson also announced his decision to opt-out of the bowl game and begin focusing on the NFL draft.

While replacing Brisker is not easy to do, the future of the Penn State secondary does appear to be one of the best-suited position groups for the 2022 season as Penn State transitions to a new defensive coordinator. The returns of Ji’Ayir Brown and Joey Porter Jr. help keep things a bit stabilized in the secondary, with Brown notably taking his cues from Brisker. Jonathan Sutherland also announced his plan to return to the team in 2022 as well. And given the idea Briskewr could have been in the NFL already, Penn State should feel fortunate Brisker decided to come back for one more season.

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