Tag: Arnold Ebiketie

Every Penn State player in the 2022 Senior Bowl

Here are the six Penn State players scheduled to appear in this year’s Senior Bowl

The path to the NFL draft has officially already been underway, but the crown jewel on the way to the scouting combine is still the Senior Bowl. The Senior Bowl is the ultimate college football all-star showcase with many of the nation’s top senior or four-year players gathering in Mobile, Alabama to practice and work out with NFL coaches and meet with NFL scouts and coaches from across the league.

And this year’s Senior Bowl will not be short on supply from Happy Valley. Penn State is sending six players to the Senior Bowl, including wide receiver Jahan Dotson and safety Jaquan Brisker. The chance to get to see these players once more showcasing what they have to offer against some of the top players around college football is a great experience. And a good showing in Senior Bowl practices and the game can go a long way t boosting or solidifying a player’s draft potential later in the spring.

Here is a look at every player from Penn State participating in this year’s Senior Bowl. Each player has accepted an invite.

Two Nittany Lions taken in latest PFF first-round mock draft

What two Penn State players are going in the first round of the PFF mock draft?

We are officially entering draft season and there have been quite a few Penn State players not only soaring their draft stock, but also finding their way into first-round 2022 NFL mock drafts.

This week, we have two players of which are familiar names we have seen being selected in the first round.

The first one is Jahan Dotson and we have seen this landing spot before. Dotson heads to Foxborough to catch passes from young and developing quarterback Mac Jones.

The Patriots were not messing around last offseason when they spent money on key players like tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. They did sign a few receivers like Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, but they haven’t really shown anything to be a reliable first option for Mac Jones.

Dotson provides a ton of experience and has sat behind key Penn State receivers like current Denver Broncos wideout KJ Hamler.

The Patriots don’t have a receiver on their roster that has shown they can be a true WR1. It seems very likely they could select a receiver in the first two rounds of the draft this year.

Dotson is a speedy receiver that has done nothing but soar up his draft stock over the past two seasons. His success started once Hamler left for the 2020 draft. Dotson flourishes as a yards after catch receiver with his elite speed, which will help the Patriots immensely on their offense.

The next one is perhaps one of the biggest draft risers from this season, and that is defensive end Arnold Ebiketie. This latest mock draft has him landing with the Tennessee Titans with the 31st overall pick. The Titans have struggled to add depth over the past few seasons with their pass rush. There is a reason we have. started to see Ebiketie being mocked in several first-round mock drafts.

He has developed into a physical player and has become a much more active playmaker with his hands, something that is crucial for an edge rusher in the NFL.

Penn State has done a stellar job producing NFL talent. Dotson and Ebiketie are just a few of the current Nittany Lions 2022 draft prospects that would be solid fits to quite a few teams looking to bolster their passing game or pass rush.

[vertical-gallery id=12213]

[listicle id=12167]

[lawrence-related id=12705,12126,12699,12695,12690]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

Browns mock draft watch: PFF slates Ohio State WR to Cleveland

Browns Mock Draft Watch: PFF has #Browns selecting #GoBucks star

The Cleveland Browns season is not over, but it’s kind of over. Cleveland is officially eliminated from the playoffs and Baker Mayfield’s season is ending due to surgery. This off-season will feel all too familiar with questions surrounding the quarterback and head coach and feeling like there is a steep mountain to climb.

Honestly, I am not that depressed. The 2020 Browns defied expectations and their success should not have set a standard so high in fans’ minds, but they shouldn’t have been this miserable to watch either. This Cleveland roster still has a few gaping weaknesses and I do not think a drastic change is in the works nor should it be. It does appear though that PFF has some great ideas in their most recent mock.

Amid opt-outs, Anthony Poindexter says defense still has a standard to live up to

Penn State defense still has a high bar to clear for the Outback Bowl despite missing so many key players to opt-outs

There is no question that Penn State’s defense has been hit hard to early NFL departures heading into this weekend’s Outback Bowl matchup with Arkansas. The Nittany Lions are down four key starters on the defensive side of the football due to NFL declarations, but Anthony Poindexter says that will not be an excuse for the defense against the Razorbacks.

“Everybody wants to play,” Poindexter said when meeting with the media after practice in Tampa on Tuesday (according to Blue White Illustrated). “A lot of guys who probably didn’t play as much as they wanted to in the regular season, here’s their chance to play. We got a standard for how we play defense here, and we expect them to play the way we’re used to playing.”

Poindexter, Penn State’s safeties coach, will be taking on the play-calling duties for the defense in the Outback Bowl. James Franklin confirmed Poindexter will be leading the defense following the departure of Brent Pry to be a head coach at Virginia Tech, while new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz will take on the role after the bowl game.

Poindexter is taking over the defense that will be playing without safety Jaquan Brisker, defensive end Arnold Ebiketie or linebackers Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks. All four players have opted out of the bowl game to begin focusing on their NFL futures, leaving Penn State’s defensive depth being put to the test against Arkansas.

“I think we’ve got enough leadership that we don’t have to ask these young guys to be leaders, but they’re gonna have to communicate,” Poindexter said. “Any time you play a team like Arkansas that’s running tempo offense, you’re going to have to communicate and be on the same page. They’ve been practicing. They know what to do. Now they’re just going to have to go out there and do it.”

Penn State’s defense will be put to the test by the Razorbacks. Although Arkansas is without its top wide receiver, Treylon Burks, after opting out himself, the Razorbacks have plenty of ability to do some damage on offense with a mobile quarterback in KJ Jefferson and a decent ability to run the football, something Penn State has struggled containing against quality opponents this season. But odds are probably pretty good Poindexter and the rest of the staff and defense had a better expectation of who will and will not be available for this game, so it’s probably not likely these opt-outs of Brisker or Ebiketie were accounted for in game planning in recent weeks.

Penn State did get some good news with some key defensive players deciding to return for another season, thus will be available for the Outback Bowl. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Jonathan Sutherland all confirmed they will return in 2022. And despite speculation, he may also be moving on, Jesse Luketa has arrived in Tampa and is practicing with the team this week. Luketa could see more time at linebacker this week as Penn State adjusts its defense.

Penn State faces Arkansas in the Outback Bowl in Tampa on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

[vertical-gallery id=11499]

[listicle id=11804]

[lawrence-related id=11847,11843,11814,11812,11798,11684,11674]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

Arnold Ebiketie declares for NFL, will skip Outback Bowl

Arnold Ebiketie is the latest Penn State player to declare for the NFL, opt out of the Outback Bowl

Another day, another key Penn State player declaring for the NFL and skipping the Outback Bowl. On Tuesday, Penn State defensive lineman Arnold Ebiketie officially announced his plans for his future by declaring for the NFL. As a result, Ebiketie says he will not play for Penn State in the Outback Bowl against Arkansas in Tampa this weekend.

“It’s been an honor to suit up in the Blue & White with this legendary fan base cheering us on,” Ebiketie said in a statement posted to his Twitter account on Tuesday afternoon. “With that being said, I have decided to forgo our bowl game and declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. From one dream to the next, I thank every person who has supported and helped me make this dream a reality.”

Ebiketie transferred to Penn State after a solid career with the Temple Owls. Ebiketie thanked Temple University for helping him reach this point and for the support he received during his time with the Owls.

Ebiketie fit right in from the start at Penn State and moved right into a starting role on the defensive line alongside PJ Mustipher. Ebiketie came up with many timely plays for the Penn State defense, including a blocked field goal in a season-opening win at Wisconsin. Ebiketie earned All-Big Ten honors during his one season in Happy Valley and is considered a rising prospect in the NFL draft pool. Some mock drafts have even floated the idea of Ebiketie being a first-round draft pick.

Ebiketie is the fourth starting player on the Penn State defense to opt out of the Outback Bowl. His decision comes a day after safety Jaquan Brisker made a similar decision. Starting linebackers Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks previously opted out of the bowl game and declared for the NFL. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson has also declared for the NFL and opted out of the bowl game.

Penn State faces Arkansas in the Outback Bowl on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

[vertical-gallery id=11499]

[listicle id=11804]

[lawrence-related id=11814,11812,11583,11424]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

Who will play linebacker for Penn State in the Outback Bowl vs Arkansas?

Here are a few options on how Penn State could plug the starting linebacker holes vs. Arkansas in the Outback Bowl

Penn State’s nickname of Linebacker-U will be put to the test in the Outback Bowl after its top two linebackers have opted out of the bowl season to begin preparing for the 2022 NFL draft cycle. Days after Brandon Smith announced his decision to pass on the bowl game and declare for the NFL draft, Ellis Brooks has joined him in making the transition to the pros. And with both players choosing to not play in the Outback Bowl, Penn State is now in need of plugging two starting linebacker holes without a ton of experience or roster flexibility to work with.

Penn State has fielded its defense with three linebackers with Smith playing the WILL, Brooks lining up in the middle and Curtis Jacobs manning the SAM linebacker position. Finding a replacement for Smith appeared to be pretty straightforward before the news of Brooks opting out broke because Charlie Katshir could just be moved up a spot on the depth chart to fill the gap for the bowl game. And that may end up still being the solution Penn State goes with.

But what happens in the middle? This is where things can get a little dicey. Jesse Luketa has been moved around the defense this season and could be the best option to fill in at the vacant linebacker spot, although he has been having success at defensive end this season, and James Franklin and defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter may want to keep Luketa on the edge if they can. But if Luketa is playing on the line of scrimmage, then Penn State doesn’t have a lot of experienced options remaining at its disposal.

Kobe King would be making a huge leap up the depth chart to be a starter in the bowl game against Arkansas, as would Tyler Elsdon or Jamari Buddin. Jonathan Sutherland could be used to fill in at the position, or he could move to the SAM position and Jacobs slide over to cover the middle of the defense.

Or Luketa could be used primarily as a linebacker and Nick Tarburton could be used more on the edge against the Razorbacks. Of course, this could all change if we learn that anyone on Penn State’s defensive line will follow Smith and Brooks in their decisions to opt out to focus on the NFL. The name to watch here would be Arnold Ebiketie, who is coming off an incredible season after transferring from Temple that has seen him continue to improve his own draft stock along the way.

No matter how Penn State shakes it, replacing its top two tacklers for the bowl game with 181 combined tackles between Brooks and Smith is not easy to do. If Luketa is not an option, Penn State is looking to fill the two spots with players that may have a combined total of 23 tackles this season between the four possibilities mentioned (Katshir, Elsdon, Buddin, and King).

On the other side of the football, Penn State head coach James Franklin has not commented on the status of wide receiver Jahan Dotson, Penn State’s top pro prospect on the board for the 2022 NFL draft if he declares now. Penn State also has some other players to keep an eye on with the defense in safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields. Both are heading off to the next level after returning to Penn State in 2021, but whether or not they play in the final game of their college careers remains to be confirmed.

Penn State faces Arkansas in the Outback Bowl on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. We’ll see who is left to take the field for either team.

[vertical-gallery id=11464]

[listicle id=11417]

[lawrence-related id=11583,11492,11487,11434,11424,11241,11136,10941,10862]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

2022 NFL mock draft: Eagles reload in Draft Wire’s latest 3-round projections

2022 #NFL mock draft: Philadelphia #Eagles reload in Draft Wire’s latest 3-round projections

The Eagles are currently competing for one of the NFL’s final remaining playoff spots, but that hasn’t stopped mock draft season from revving up.

After Carson Wentz reached his snap threshold, Philadelphia earned a third first-round pick and that should allow Howie Roseman to build around Jalen Hurts.

Draft Wire just revealed their latest 3-round projections, and the Eagles reload with established stars at several key positions.

What two Penn State players does CBS Sports have going in first round of 2022 NFL draft?

The latest mock draft from CBS Sports has two Penn State players going in the first round

[mm-video type=playlist id=01ey902ehrs6e9bvhw player_id=none image=https://nittanylionswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

As we head into bowl season, we are also getting closer to the NFL draft.

We have seen several mocks with Penn State players being selected in the first round. Some even having multiple Nittany Lions taken.

A recent CBS Sports first-round mock draft has two Penn State players selected. The first one is perhaps one of the biggest draft risers in the edge rusher class, other than Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, that nobody really talks about enough. Penn State edge rusher, and Temple transfer, Arnold Ebiketie, heads to the Chargers with the 23rd pick.

In previous mock drafts, we saw Jahan Dotson being taken by the Chargers. Ebiketie also makes tons of sense here. The Chargers also lack depth at this position and have struggled getting to the quarterback this season.

Ebiketie not only provides experience, but there is a reason why he has soared up draft boards this season.

Ebiketie has become much more active with his hands and his body frame is just what you want in an NFL pass rusher. He has the length and has developed into a physical player.

Outside of Joey Bosa, the Chargers don’t really have a jaw-dropping player that can male highlight reel plays.

This would be a perfect situation for Ebiketie to potentially earn a starting role and learn from Bosa.

The next Penn State player selected was given away earlier in this article. That’s right. Jahan Dotson. Not the first time we’ve seen him mocked in the first round.

Once again, Dotson is being sent to the Chiefs, this time with the 26th overall pick, to catch passes from Patrick Mahomes.

This also wouldn’t be the first time we have seen Dotson mocked to the Chiefs. It makes sense, too.

In terms of one of those “match-made-in-heaven” picks for the Chiefs, it would most certainly be Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks, who was taken by the Washington Football Team with the 20th overall pick. Howver, Dotson still makes a ton of sense here and has played like a first-round wide receiver this season.

As mentioned, Dotson has the talent to be a WR1. But, he would flourish as a WR2, and pairing him with Tyreek Hill would be an exciting duo to watch.

Mecole Hardman hasn’t really shown enough to be a reliable second option. The Chiefs also lack depth in their wide receiver room, especially after losing Sammy Watkins to the Baltimore Ravens.

Dotson not only brings speed, which Andy Reid loves on his offense, but he also brings elite route-running skills with impressive hands.

Penn State has plenty of players that could hear their name called early in April. Both the Chargers and Chiefs could use a Nittany Lion to bolster their team as well.

Both Ebiketie and Dotson have risen their draft stock quite a bit this season and it could all pay off in just a few short months.

[lawrence-related id=11208,11198,11199,11181]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

What Penn State players were named All-Big Ten for 2021?

What Penn State players received all-Big Ten honors or honorable mention from B1G coaches and media in 2021?

Award season is upon us, and a number of Penn State players are receiving Big Ten accolades. The Big Ten unveiled its all-Big Ten rosters for the 2021 season as selected by the coaches and media around the conference. The Penn State defense landed two first-team All-Big Ten players after a very strong season.

Jaquan Brisker was one of four defensive backs to receive first-team accolades by the Big Ten coaches. Brisker joined Michigan’s Dax Hill and the Iowa duo of Dane Belton and Riley Moss on the first-team list.

Defensive lineman Arnold Ebiketie also landed on the first team after an impressive fall season after transferring from Temple. Ebikeitie was listed on the first-team defensive line along with Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, Ohio State’s Haskell Garrett, and Purdue’s George Karlaftis. That would be one monster of a defensive line, for sure.

Jahan Dotson was the only Penn State player to receive All-Big Ten recognition on offense. Dotson was named to the second-team All-Big Ten along with Garrett Wilson of Ohio State. Ohio State’s Chris Olave and Purdue’s David Bell took the first-team honors.

On special teams, punter Jordan Stout was named first-team All-Big Ten. Of course, that should have been expected after Stout was named the Big Ten’s punter of the year. Dotson also received a third-team nod for All-Big Ten as a return specialist.

PJ Mustipher and Ellis Brooks each appeared on the second-team defense. Brandon Smith, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Joey Porter Jr. all appeared on the third team All-Big Ten list.

Sean Clifford, Juice Scruggs, and Rasheed Walker all earned honorable mention for the offense by the coaches. Walker was named third-team All-Big Ten by the Big Ten media, while Brenton Strange and Mike Miranda received an honorable mention by the media. Defensive honorable mentions went to Tariq Castro-Fields and Jesse Luketa as well. Luketa received third-team All-Big Ten by the media. the media also gave honorable mention nods to Mustipher, Brooks, Brown, and Curtis Jacobs in addition to those appearing on the coaches honorable mentions list.

[vertical-gallery id=10568]

[listicle id=10794]

[lawrence-related id=10804,10789,10768,10688,10685]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

Arnold Ebiketie makes late-season watch list for defensive award

Penn State’s Arnold Ebiketie is in the final running for the Ted Hendriks Award (nation’s top defensive end)

It did not take long for Penn State transfer addition Arnold Ebiketie to leave his mark on the Penn State defensive line. Now, with the regular season in the books, Ebiketie’s terrific season has been deemed worthy of inclusion on an end-of-the-year watch list for the Ted Hendriks Award.

On Monday, the Ted Hendricks Foundation released its list of the 30 players in the final running for the Ted Hendriks Award, which is awarded to the nation’s top defensive end. Criteria for the award include on-field performance, winning attitude, leadership abilities, contributions to school and community and academic success.

Ebiketie joined Penn State after transferring from Temple, where he played for four seasons with the Owls. This season saw Ebiketie record 14.5 sacks and 17.0 tackles for loss (which led the Big Ten).

The Ted Hendriks Award was first presented in 2002 to Arizona State’s Terrell Suggs. Carl Nassib is the only Penn State player to have won the award, meaning Ebiketie is hoping to become the second winner of the award in program history.

There was no 2020 recipient of the award. Chase Young of Ohio State was the most recent winner of the award, in 2019.

The final votes for the award will be gathered the week of December 6, and this year’s winner will be announced on December 9.

[vertical-gallery id=10568]

[listicle id=10557]

[lawrence-related id=10656,10651,10640,10636,10632]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.