During a week with so many announcements about NFL futures and skipping the Outback Bowl, little was known about the status of veteran cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields. But as the Outback Bowl approached on Saturday, it became official. Castro-Fields will not play in the game as he begins to turn the page to his NFL future.
Castro-Fields is the sixth defensive starter Penn State will be without in the Outback Bowl, joining players like Jaquan Brisker, Brandon Smith, Ellis Brooks, and Arnold Ebiketie in opting out of the game with an eye toward the future.
With Castro-Fields not on the field, Kalen King is expected to take over at the position. The freshman is among the stars of Penn State’s Class of 2021 and made an early splash in the spring. This will be his first real test but also will be a good opportunity to begin the transition. King is expected to be a key starter for the defense in 2022 for the Nittany Lions.
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