BREAKING: Penn State star defender declares for NFL Draft

Penn State football is losing one of its best defenders to the NFL. On Sunday, star Nittany Lions CB Kalen King formally declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. The decision was to be expected, given King’s status as one of the best CBs in college football. But Penn State fans have seen King play his last game in the Blue and White, as the star defender did not participate in the Peach Bowl yesterday against Ole Miss.

Kalen King declares for NFL Draft, will sit out of Peach Bowl

In a much-expected decision, Kalen King will be taking his talents to the NFL in 2024. The star Penn State football defender made his Draft decision public in a social media post on Sunday. He chose not to play in the Peach Bowl on Saturday after James Franklin spoke about him practicing and coming up with a plan during the week.

Penn State, Thank You. 💙 pic.twitter.com/Zmhx6Eqkgi

— Kalen King (@KalenKing21__) December 31, 2023

Coming into the 2023 season, King had already established himself as one of the top defenders in the country. Opposite Joey Porter Jr. last season, King put together an outstanding year that led to his recognition as a Walter Camp second-team All-American and top returning corner in the Big Ten this fall.

Although he may not have had the superstar numbers many expected, 2023 was still a productive year for the junior CB from Detroit. King earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and media after finishing seventh on the team in tackles with 29, while also adding two pass breakups.

King’s chance to make Penn State football history

Kalen King finishes his decorated Penn State football career with 82 total tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 25 pass breakups.

At the start of the year, King was already projected as one of the top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft. Even after a 2023 season that may be considered a “down” year numbers-wise, he likely still grades out as a borderline first-round pick.

Of course, if King finds his way into the first round of the NFL Draft, he will accomplish a feat previously unachieved in Penn State football history. Joey Porter Jr. is the closest a Nittany Lion CB has even gotten to being taken in the first round of the Draft. Porter was selected with the first pick of the second round in last year’s Draft.

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