Penn State LB Ellis Brooks declares for NFL draft, will skip Outback Bowl

Penn State leading tackler Ellis Brooks to skip Outback Bowl to focus on NFL draft

Penn State has another starting linebacker spot to address for the Outback Bowl. Ellis Brooks has announced he is declaring for the 2022 NFL draft and opting out of the Outback Bowl against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

“After having multiple conversations with my family members and coaches, I have decided to forego the bowl game to focus on getting healthy, as it’s now time to chase my dream of playing at the highest level and officially declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft,” Brooks said in a statement shared on his Twitter account on Monday evening.

“I can only hope that you received some of the same joy watching me in the Blue & White that I got from playing in front of you,” Brooks said in a message directed to Penn State fans.

Brooks ended the regular season with a team-leading 100 tackles, including 53 solo tackles. Brooks also led the Nittany Lions with 60 tackles during the abbreviated 2020 season. Brooks emerged as Penn State’s top linebacker in 2020 following the early departure of Micah Parsons, and he became one of the most consistent linebackers on the roster in the past two seasons.

The loss of Brooks creates a bit of a concern for James Franklin in preparing for the Outback Bowl. Penn State is now without its top two tacklers with Brooks and Brandon Smith each having opted out to focus on their NFL future. Curtis Jacobs is the only starter left standing at the linebacker positions, so defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter will have to dig into the depth a bit.

Charlie Katshir appeared to be the most logical replacement for Smith following his decision to opt out of the bowl season. Jesse Luketa could take a few more snaps at a linebacker position, or Penn State could move a player like Jonathan Sutherland into the middle of the field and hope it all works out.

Otherwise, Penn State may have to throw some inexperienced young options into some key roles.

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