BREAKING: Top Penn State TE declares for NFL Draft, will participate in Peach Bowl

Penn State football will be losing one of its most productive pass catchers over the last several seasons to the NFL. On Friday afternoon, Nittany Lions TE Theo Johnson announced that he is declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. Johnson becomes the second Penn State football player to declare for the Draft and the first Nittany Lion on offense to do so. However, unlike his counterpart Chop Robinson, Johnson will participate with Penn State at the Peach Bowl this month.

Top Penn State TE Theo Johnson declares for the NFL Draft

As Penn State football has struggled to find consistency at the WR position, the Nittany Lions have looked to the TEs as a major source of production over the last few seasons. Leading the way for the TE room has been Theo Johnson.

Johnson has nearly 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his Penn State career on 75 receptions. Although 2023 may not have lived up to expectations in terms of yardage, Johnson still had his most productive season in terms of catches (32) and touchdowns (6).

And now, Theo Johnson is off to the NFL. The Nittany Lion TE posted on social media Friday explaining his decision, but noting that his time with the program isn’t finished just yet.

“Thank you to Coach Franklin, Coach Howle, the coaches, players, staff, and the fans for making my time at Penn State an unforgettable experience,” Johnson said. “After a lot of thought and prayer, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. I cannot wait to be with my Penn State Football family one last time when we compete at the Peach Bowl.”

It’s been real Happy Valley!🖤 pic.twitter.com/UHLm09d7pT

— Theo Johnson (@theo_Johnson_) December 8, 2023

What will Johnson’s role be in the Peach Bowl?

Theo Johnson becomes the second Penn State football player to declare for the NFL Draft this week, after star DE Chop Robinson did so on Tuesday. However, unlike Robinson, Johnson did not indicate that he would be opting out of the Peach Bowl.

But at this time, it’s still unclear what role Johnson will have in Penn State’s bowl matchup with Ole Miss. Johnson’s statement does not directly say that he will play in the game, only that he will be with the team at the Peach Bowl.

If Johnson does end up suiting up for the Nittany Lions one final time, expect a reduced workload, similar to what James Franklin did with Saquon Barkley in the Fiesta Bowl after the 2017 season. Penn State has several talented TEs that it can lean on against the Rebels. However, the NFL Draft status of fellow TE Tyler Warren is still unclear at this time as well.

Penn State football takes on Ole Miss in the 2023 Peach Bowl on December 30.

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.com or 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!