Penn State standout DT Dvon J-Thomas declares for NFL Draft

A key piece of the Penn State football locker room on and off the field is off to the NFL. On Sunday evening, defensive tackle Dvon J-Thomas became the fifth Nittany Lion to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

J-Thomas released a heartfelt statement on social media on Sunday night:

“First, I would like to thank God for everything. He is great. Next, I would like to thank my family and loved ones who have helped me get as far as I have,” he wrote. “Thank you, Penn State, for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Every moment I’ve spent at Penn State has shaped me into the person and player I am today. The memories, lessons, and relationships I’ve built here will stay with me forever.

“Penn State will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll never forget what this program, this school, and this community has done for me. With that said, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

“Forever grateful. Forever a Nittany Lion.”

🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/UaX518mLfy

— Dvon J-Thomas🇦🇸 (@dfesquire) January 13, 2025

First arriving on campus in 2019, J-Thomas exhausted his full six years of eligibility at the end of Thursday night’s Orange Bowl. The McDonogh School product started all 16 games this fall, recording 35 tackles, including four for loss.

J-Thomas finishes his Penn State football career with 94 tackles, 13.5 of which were for loss, over 60 games.

Penn State football NFL Draft tracker

© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dvon J-Thomas is the third Nittany Lion to declare for the NFL Draft on Sunday, following Jalen Kimber and Jaylen Reed. So far, all five members of the Penn State football program who have declared for the Draft have come from the defense.

Outgoing:

KJ Winston, S – declared for NFL Draft on December 12.

Abdul Carter, DE – declared for NFL Draft on January 10.

Jalen Kimber, CB – declared for NFL Draft on January 12.

Jaylen Reed, S – declared for NFL Draft on January 12.

Returning:

Drew Allar, QB – announced return on December 16.

Zakee Wheatley, S – announced return on December 23.

Zane Durant, DT – announced return on January 11.

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