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Penn State star will opt out of bowl game to prepare for NFL draft

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels12/20/21ChandlerVessels
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Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Penn State linebacker Ellis Brooks will opt out of the Outback Bowl against Arkansas, he announced Monday. The redshirt senior’s career with the Nittany Lions is now over as he prepares to move on to the NFL.

“My experience here at Penn State is something that I will always be extremely grateful for,” Ellis wrote in a statement. “Growing up as a kid with a dream to come play football for Penn State to having the actual opportunity to be a part of Linebacker U and this team is still a surreal feeling.

“After having multiple conversations with my family members and coaches, I have decided to forgo the bowl game to focus on getting healthy, as it’s now time to chase my dream of playing at the highest level and officially declaring for the 2022 NFL draft.

“To my coaches and teammates, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to play the game I love with. I’d like to specifically thank coach (James) Franklin and (defensive coordinator Brent) Pry for allowing me to be a part of this family. Your drive, support, companionship continued to bring the best out of me not only as a player but a man. Lastly, to the best fans in the nation, I can only hope you received some of the same joy watching me in the Blue & White that I got playing in front of you. I’ll forver be a Penn Stater. We Are!”

Brooks led the Nittany Lions will 100 tackles this season, including 3.5 for loss. He is not the only Penn State linebacker to opt out of the Outback Bowl, as Brandon Smith made his announcement a few days ago.

The senior ends his Penn State career with 230 tackles (15 for loss), 5.5 sacks and an interception. The Nittany Lions will kick off against Arkansas at noon ET on New Year’s Day.