JUST IN: Penn State football specialist declares for NFL Draft

One of the most significant finds for Penn State football from the transfer portal last season is now taking his talents to the NFL. On Thursday afternoon, Nittany Lions K Alex Felkins released a statement declaring for the NFL Draft. Felkins quickly solidified himself as Penn State’s primary PK early in the 2023 season but exhausted his eligibility after four seasons at Columbia and one in Happy Valley.

Penn State K Alex Felkins declares for NFL Draft

Penn State football has seen success finding specialists out of the transfer portal in recent years. Such was the case this fall for Alex Felkins. Felkins won the starting job after Sander Sahaydak struggled against West Virginia in Week 1.

From there, there was no turning back for the Columbia transfer. Felkins earned second-team All-Big Ten honors this season, going 18-22 on field goal attempts. His 81.8 field goal percentage is the seventh-best in a single season for Penn State football. Felkins finished the year 10-10 on field goals inside 40 yards and has 8 makes from 40+ yards.

And now, Alex Felkins is off to the NFL Draft. Exhausting his college eligibility after Saturday’s Peach Bowl, Felkins made his future plans known in a post on social media Thursday afternoon.

“To Penn State University, thank you for allowing me to live out my college football dream over this past year,” Felkins wrote. “There’s nothing like playing in front of 107K in Beaver Stadium. Coach Franklin and Coach Collins took a chance on me when no one else would, and I am forever indebted to everyone in the Lasch Football Building for making this past year so special. I wouldn’t be the football player and person I am now if not for all of the lessons I learned in Happy Valley. I hope I left my mark.

“I am entering the NFL Draft as I have exhausted my NCAA eligibility. I am excited to chase my biggest dream.”

With it already known that Alex Felkins would have to move on, Penn State football has already started working on finding his replacement. Sahaydak remains on the roster and still has two years to play. The Nittany Lions also added Tulsa K Chase Meyer from the transfer portal on December 17.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.comor direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!