Penn State football assistant hints multiple DBs are off to the NFL

National Signing Day kicked off around 7:10 AM today for the Penn State football team. The Nittany Lions welcomed the 2024 recruiting class, where James Franklin and his assistants spent time thanking each player. The coaching staff also provided words of encouragement and motivation for the future Nittany Lions. When cornerback Jon Mitchell was announced, defensive backs coach Terry Smith made a statement that leads us to believe Kalen King, Johnny Dixon, and Daequan Hardy are headed to the NFL.

Penn State football assistant hints multiple DBs are off to the NFL

It’s a busy time of year for folks within the Penn State football program. Signing the 2024 class and preparing for the Peach Bowl while welcoming in new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. At the same time, many Penn State players have made their decision about their future, while others have not said much.

The three players that we have been waiting for on defense are all cornerbacks. While there are reports that Johnny Dixon will not participate in the Peach Bowl, neither he, Kalen King, nor Daequan Hardy have officially put their future plans on the record.

But that seemed to be revealed during the signing of four-star cornerback Jon Mitchell.

When speaking to Mitchell, Terry Smith said, We’re losing three guys to the NFL; opportunity is what you make of it.”

Terry Smith mentions to CB signee Jon Mitchell that there will be an opportunity here. "We're losing three guys to the NFL, opportunity is what you make of it."

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) December 20, 2023

What is the impact for 2024?

While Smith’s statement has not been publicly confirmed by any of those three players, Penn State fans need to prepare for this scenario. Losing three starting cornerbacks is a challenge, but thankfully Cam Miller, Elliot Washington, and Zion Tracy will return. Then adding Jon Mitchell, Antonie Belgrave-Shorter, and Kenneth Walker in the 2024 recruiting class gives Nittany Nation optimism for next season.

The Peach Bowl will give us a good feel for the depth at cornerback if all three players (Kalen King, Johnny Dixon, and Daequan Hardy) decide not to play.

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