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Draft Scout College Football Player News: Penn State

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11/30/23 - Olumuyiwa Fashanu, rJr/2025, Penn State + More +

2023 BIG TEN RIMINGTON-PACE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State,...Is Penn State's second Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year honoree, joining A.Q. Shipley in 2008...Earned All-Big Ten second team honors from the coaches and third team from the media in 2022...Was a Walter Camp second-team All-American last season...Was voted a team captain in 2023...Fashanu is a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, known as the "Academic Heisman"...Was a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award and was a member of the Outland Trophy and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award watch lists...Named Midseason All-America First Team by Sporting News and Midseason All-America second team by the Associated Press...Has appeared in 29 games and made 22 starts at left tackle...Fashanu has allowed no sacks and 11 pressures in 382 pass blocking snaps this season. - Penn State Football

rJr/2025

OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
News Source: Penn State Football
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03/04/23 - Drew Allar, So/2026, Penn State + More +

Drew Allar didn't take part during Penn State's max-out lifting session Thursday evening when the media was present, but he was still very much involved. The quiet sophomore quarterback was there to congratulate teammates when they finished their lifts and was talking to them throughout the session. And while he wasn't lifting Thursday, that doesn't mean he hasn't made progress since enrolling at Penn State in January 2022. "Drew being at the quarterback position, you gotta have durability," Penn State strength and conditioning coach Chuck Losey said Thursday. "That was one thing. With a tall, lean frame like Drew had when he came in, one of his main objectives was to put muscle mass on. He's done a great job. The number doesn't come to mind exactly how much he's put on, but it's in the excess of 20-25 pounds since he's been here. And he looks great. He looks like a defensive end right now."

The physical transition to college is important for Allar, who is widely expected to take over as the team's starter this year, but so is the mental one. He's soft-spoken by nature but has needed to take a step as a leader this season. That transition was evident Thursday as he spoke to his teammates and hyped them up and it's something Losey said he's seen develop over the team's past seven weeks of winter workouts. "He's done a good job in the sense that he's pushed outside of his comfort zone," Losey said. "Drew is not the loudest person you'll ever meet...Just his disposition, his nature, he's not an attention-seeking guy. He's quiet-natured but I've seen him, during our workouts, during the winter workouts in the weight room, he's put himself in uncomfortable situations to where he's forced himself to speak up to other guys. In that sense I'm really proud of him." - Centre Times

So/2026

QB Drew Allar, Penn State
News Source: Centre Times
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02/17/23 - Davon Townley Jr., rSo/2026, Penn State + More +

Drew Shelton was asked last week if there's a defensive lineman on Penn State's roster - someone from his 2022 recruiting class or maybe a year or two older - that has impressed him since the summer. The offensive tackle didn't hesitate. "Obviously you guys know about Dani," Shelton said of Dani Dennis-Sutton, the five-star edge rusher who played in all 13 games, logged three sacks and was named an ESPN true freshman All-American. "We battle every day. It's always a fight." Then, Shelton paused briefly before offering another, more surprising name. "I also have to say Davon Townley," Shelton said. Ears perked up around Shelton's roundtable during last week's media availability with the 2022 first-year players. That's because Townley almost left Penn State.

Townley entered the transfer portal in early December. After two seasons with the Nittany Lions - redshirting in 2021 and making three tackles in seven games in 2022 - the former four-star defensive end decided to seek out a new opportunity. Over the next few weeks, Townley was a free agent. Within a couple days of entering the portal, he fielded offers from South Florida, Houston and Colorado. They saw what Penn State, Kentucky, Oregon and a host of Power Five programs saw in the 2021 recruiting cycle: a raw but rangy 6-foot-6 pass rusher with potential. But Townley wasn't lured to Boulder by Deion Sanders. He wasn't wooed by Houston or South Florida. On Jan. 13, a few days before the portal closed to new FBS entrants, Townley confirmed to 247 Sports that he was returning to Penn State. - Tribune Review

rSo/2026

DT Davon Townley Jr., Penn State
News Source: Tribune Review
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02/13/23 - Abdul Carter, So/2026, Penn State + More +

It would be easy for Penn State to take a step back defensively and brush it off to the losses the team had. After all, there are plenty of them. There are vocal leaders gone, like safety Ji'Ayir Brown and defensive tackle PJ Mustipher. There's a likely first round pick gone in cornerback Joey Porter Jr. There are longtime rotational pieces who have moved on, like defensive end Nick Tarburton and linebacker Jonathan Sutherland. Those pieces will be missing at all three levels of the unit, but there isn't much thought to the group stepping back. There are high level replacements for many of those players - like Kalen King for Porter - but the expected performance next year is only partially about players like King who have multiple years of experience and will be stepping up.

The other reason is the team's young talent and the increased impact it could have next season. Players like sophomores Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton could have a massive impact in 2023 and lead yet another elite Penn State defense. Those two will be the cornerstones for at least the next two seasons, with Carter at linebacker and Dennis-Sutton at defensive end. Their talents are evident every snap with both possessing the athleticism that pops whenever they're on the field. And their teammates took note. "It feels amazing," redshirt freshman KJ Winston said about playing with the duo. "Abdul, that's my roommate, building that connection with him. Just knowing that they're gonna do what they gotta do to make things a lot easier for you, they're gonna do their job, it's a blessing knowing that you'll be able to go out and play with guys like that every game." - Centre Times

So/2026

OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
News Source: Centre Times
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02/10/23 - Nicholas Singleton, So/2026, Penn State + More +

Nick Singleton can't seem to shake it. Everywhere the Penn State phenom turns, he still manages to see his record-setting Rose Bowl run. Singleton's dash through Utah's defense, one that encapsulated his electrifying freshman season, happened five weeks ago. Friends keep sending him the highlight anyway, and he can't help but notice when it pops up on social media. Singleton even admitted that he would look up the 87-yard touchdown himself and relive it in the days following Penn State's 35-21 win. And who could blame him? "Back then, I would watch it," Singleton said with a smile. "I was feeling good." Singleton knows that jaw-dropping moment in Pasadena is going to be replayed over and over again.

It's going to be remembered like Saquon Barkley's and Ki-Jana Carter's runs at the Rose Bowl. He knows that's something to be cherished. But Singleton also knows he has to move on. That was his point of emphasis when he met with reporters on Tuesday afternoon for the first time since Pasadena. "Now you have to worry about what's next," Singleton said in the Beaver Stadium media room. "Now you have to worry about this season." Some freshmen might let a year like the one Singleton had get to their heads. Singleton was named the Big Ten's freshman of the year and a freshman All-American by several national outlets after leading Penn State with 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. The five-star prospect from Governor Mifflin ended the campaign with seven runs of 40-plus yards, second in the FBS. - Tribune Review

So/2026

RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
News Source: Tribune Review
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01/30/23 - Kalen King, Jr/2025, Penn State + More +

As cornerback rooms go, few were better than Penn State's in 2002. The Nittany Lions' top four combined for 43 pass breakups, six interceptions, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. The play of the PSU corners was a major reason James Franklin's team finished second nationally among FBS teams in pass efficiency defense, eighth in red zone defense, 10th in scoring defense and 17th in total defense. But the Lions are replacing one of the top corners in the nation.

Fortunately, a standout third-year corner is back. Kalen King led Penn State with 18 pass breakups and intercepted three passes. He made significant strides during the final few games of his true freshman season of 2021. This year, the 5-foot-11, 189-pounder was a second-team All-Big Ten choice by the Associated Press and second-team All-America by the Walter Camp Foundation. - Tribune Review

Jr/2025

CB Kalen King, Penn State
News Source: Tribune Review
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01/25/23 - Dante Cephas, rSr/2024, Penn State + More +

Dante Cephas announced Sunday that he's transferring from Kent State to Penn State. Cephas, one of the best players available in the transfer portal, could become the Nittany Lions' No. 1 wide receiver in 2023 after racking up 130 catches for 1,984 yards and 12 touchdowns the past seasons with the Golden Flashes. The former Penn Hills star is slated to finish classes at Kent State before enrolling at Penn State in the summer. Cephas will have two years of eligibility remaining. Cephas was near the top of James Franklin's portal wish list and with reason.

The Pittsburgh native has the ability to change Penn State's offensive trajectory in 2023, just as he did with Penn Hills four years ago. "They're getting the complete package in Dante," former Penn Hills coach Jon LeDonne said. "He's a big, long, athletic receiver. Very, very explosive. He's not afraid to go across the middle. He's a strong individual as well." LeDonne called Cephas "a happy guy who's always in a good mood." The coach never had any issues with him in their two seasons together, only fond memories. LeDonne, now the coach at Pine-Richland, remembers arriving at Penn Hills in June 2017. One of the first things he did was watch tape from the 2016 junior varsity team to see if he had any up-and-comers. Cephas jumped out right away. "Some of these one-handed catches he was making and going up for everything and running after the catch," LeDonne said, "we knew we had a special player." - Tribune Review

rSr/2024

WR Dante Cephas, Penn State
News Source: Tribune Review
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01/21/23 - Malik McClain, Jr/2025, Penn State + More +

Penn State has picked up a second transfer portal wide receiver for the 2023 season. Former Florida State WR Malik McClain announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions Wednesday. McClain spent his first two seasons at FSU before entering the portal this offseason. He was a four-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class and held an offer from the Nittany Lions as a high school recruit. He went on to 396 yards and five touchdowns on 33 receptions for the Seminoles over the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound McClain joins former Kent State wide receiver Dante Cephas as the program's offseason transfer portal additions. The two new Nittany Lions could play a major role in the offense next season as Penn State reshapes the position following the departures of Parker Washington and Mitch Tinsley for the NFL and the firing of WRs coach Taylor Stubblefield. - Centre Times

Jr/2025

WR Malik McClain, Penn State
News Source: Centre Times
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01/18/23 - Malik McClain, Jr/2025, Penn State + More +

Former Florida State wide receiver Malik McClain announced that he was transferring to Penn State to continue his college career. McClain only spent about a week in the portal before landing with the Nittany Lions. The Florida native developed into a member of the rotation at wide receiver after signing with the Seminoles in the 2021 class. He showed promise as a true freshman, playing in all 12 games and starting nine of them. However, McClain struggled to put it all together and wasn't guaranteed a major role this upcoming season with 11 other scholarship receivers still on the roster. - Tomahawknation.com

Jr/2025

WR Malik McClain, Penn State
News Source: Tomahawknation.com
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01/18/23 - Dante Cephas, rSr/2024, Penn State + More +

Heir apparent Drew Allar has a new target. Dante Cephas, one of the best wide receivers available in the transfer portal, announced on Sunday that he will continue his career at Penn State. Cephas, a Pittsburgh native and Penn Hills graduate, joins the Nittany Lions after securing 130 catches for 1,984 yards and 12 touchdowns the past two seasons at Kent State. An All-MAC honoree, Cephas has two years of eligibility remaining.

Cephas' announcement came less than an hour after Penn State confirmed that it relieved wide receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield of his duties. Cephas is a significant addition to a Nittany Lion offense that loses three of its top targets entering the 2023 season. Wide receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange left early for the NFL while Mitchell Tinsley ran out of eligibility, prompting Penn State to aggressively pursue playmakers in the portal. Cephas was always near the top of Penn State's list of targets, if not at the top. The 6-foot-1 receiver announced that he was entering the portal on Dec. 4, and he had an offer from head coach James Franklin and area recruiter Terry Smith a day later. - Tribune Review

rSr/2024

WR Dante Cephas, Penn State
News Source: Tribune Review
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01/17/23 - Dante Cephas, rSr/2024, Penn State + More +

Cephas is a significant addition to a Nittany Lion offense that loses three of its top targets entering the 2023 season. Wide receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange left early for the NFL while Mitchell Tinsley ran out of eligibility, prompting Penn State to aggressively pursue playmakers in the portal. Cephas was always near the top of Penn State's list of targets, if not at the top. The 6-foot-1 receiver announced that he was entering the portal on Dec. 4, and he had an offer from head coach James Franklin and area recruiter Terry Smith a day later.

Cephas also fielded offers from Georgia, Notre Dame, Pitt, Oklahoma, Miami and more, making him one of the most sought-after players in the portal. Cephas was ranked No. 24 overall among portal players, according to on3. This level of attention is a nice change of pace for Cephas, who was lightly recruited coming out of Penn Hills. The former teammate of Penn State cornerback Daequan Hardy didn't receive any Power Five offers a few years ago, garnering interest from only Kent State, Bowling Green, Toledo, Eastern Kentucky and Howard. Now, Cephas immediately becomes the most prolific receiver in Penn State's room. The Nittany Lions also have KeAndre Lambert-Smith (389 yards, four TDs in 2022) and Harrison Wallace III (273 yards, one TD) at receiver as well as a crop of freshmen from the 2022 recruiting class. Tight end Theo Johnson is expected to return, too. - Tribune Review

rSr/2024

WR Dante Cephas, Penn State
News Source: Tribune Review
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01/15/23 - Dante Cephas, rSr/2024, Penn State + More +

WR Dante Cephas, Penn State
News Source: Penn Live
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01/15/23 - Jake Pinegar, rSr/2023, Penn State + More +

Penn State Kicker Jake Pinegar: "The last five years at Penn State have been nothing short of spectacular," he wrote. "Through the highs and the lows, I have learned so much and I wouldn't want my path to be shaped any other way. I would like to thank Coach (James) Franklin and every other coach and mentor at Penn State for their help shaping me into the person I am today. I would also like to thank my family and close friends for the unwavering support throughout my journey. "With that being said, I think it is time for the next chapter in my career. I have decided to chase a childhood dream of mine of playing in the NFL." The senior kicker went 75 percent (12-of-16) on kicks this season, going 5-for-6 from 20-29 yards out, 1-for-3 from 30-39 yards, 4-for-5 from 40-49 yards and went 2-for-2 on kicks from 50 yards. His longest kick of the season was for 50 yards, he went 57-for-59 on extra point attempts and scored 93 points for the Nittany Lions this season. - Centre Times

rSr/2023

K Jake Pinegar, Penn State
News Source: Centre Times
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01/13/23 - Keaton Ellis, rSr/2024, Penn State + More +

Penn State's safety room will return a veteran leader in 2023. Keaton Ellis announced his intention to return for a fifth season with the Nittany Lions on Instagram Friday evening. Ellis has played 43 games in his Penn State career and started opposite fellow safety Ji'Ayir Brown in 2022. The State College native will have one more season to suit up for his hometown school and will be a figure of leadership in the Nittany Lions' secondary. - The Daily Collegian

rSr/2024

SS Keaton Ellis, Penn State
News Source: The Daily Collegian
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01/11/23 - Curtis Jacobs, rJr/2025, Penn State + More +

One of Penn State's best defenders will return for the 2023 season. Linebacker Curtis Jacobs announced Tuesday afternoon that he will be staying with the Nittany Lions next season rather than entering the 2023 NFL Draft. He made the announcement via Twitter. Jacobs took another step forward in his third year with the program, tallying 52 tackles, four sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.

He was a playmaker at the second level of the Penn State defense, showing off his ability to make a difference with splash plays throughout the season. The third-year linebacker capped off his season with arguably his best game against the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl. He finished the game with two sacks and helped put the Utes away on the Nittany Lions' way to a 35-21 victory. With Jacobs returning, the second level of the defense is solidified with him and fellow linebacker Abdul Carter being two of the best players on the defense. - Centre Times

rJr/2025