James Franklin confirms Penn State star will play in Peach Bowl

There have been several decisions made over the past week for the Penn State football team. Some players are returning to State College next year, while others will pursue their NFL dream. But overall most players are going to suit up and play in some capacity on Saturday in the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss. One player that many Penn State fans have been awaiting a decision on is cornerback Kalen King. During his media availability today, James Franklin confirmed King’s bowl status.

James Franklin confirms Penn State star will play in Peach Bowl

Kalen King is a projected first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had an up-and-down 2023 season and has not made an official statement on his future with the Penn State football team just yet. However, today James Franklin confirmed King was down in Atlanta and will participate in the Peach Bowl.

James Franklin on CB Kalen King’s decision to travel to the Peach Bowl: “We've tried to create an environment where really there's no reason for any player to opt out”

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) December 26, 2023

When speaking about Kalen King, Franklin said, “…We’ve tried to create an environment where really there’s no reason for any player to opt-out. What I mean by that is all the way back to Saquon Barkley, who was being projected as a top 15 pick, there’s a way to do this where the player, the family, the agents, whoever, everybody’s comfortable with the plan. To be able to finish the season with your teammates, I think is important, but I also understand the challenge of it. So just try to have great conversations and discussion. Kalen was great. Kalen’s parents were great. I had really good discussions and came up with a plan that everybody was comfortable with. So great to have him here and be part of the program for one more game.”

Kalen King’s future with Penn State

No official statement from Kalen King and his intentions for declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. However, during National Signing Day for the Penn State football team assistant coach, Terry Smith hinted that King will head to the NFL this offseason.

During 2024 signee Jon Mitchell’s commitment Smith said, “We’re losing three guys to the NFL; opportunity is what you make of it.”

We will likely get an official statement from Kalen King following the Peach Bowl. But if he does indeed declare the 2024 secondary will look very different for Penn State next season.

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