Penn State defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo announces bowl opt-out
Penn State has added a fifth starter on defense to opt out of the Outback Bowl.
Announced Wednesday morning, transfer defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo said he’d finished his career at Penn State and wouldn’t play on Saturday against Arkansas.
“To the best fans in college football, thank you for cheering and supporting me in every game. It was an electric environment every time in Beaver Stadium with the 107K bringing the energy play in and play out. You guys will always be with me and always appreciate you. Thank you Nittany Nation!
“With that being said, I will be forgoing the bowl game and I will he preparing myself for the 2022 NFL Draft. I am excited to see what the future holds for me and my family.”
The news comes amid a rash of opt-outs for the Nittany Lions ahead of the bowl game. Joining receiver Jahan Dotson, Penn State has also seen linebackers Ellis Brooks and Brandon Smith, safety Jaquan Brisker, and defensive end Arnold Ebiketie announce that they will not play against the Razorbacks.
In the wake of so many absences, Penn State interim defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter stressed this week that young players are eager for opportunities that will be provided. And, further, for the Nittany Lions hoping to make a mark with increased opportunity, the expectations will hold for this game.
“Everybody wants to play,” Poindexter said. “A lot of guys who probably didn’t play as much as they wanted to in the regular season, here’s their chance to play. We got a standard for how we play defense here, and we expect them to play the way we’re used to playing.”
Tangelo’s one-year stint at Penn State finished 29 total tackles in 12 games, including 5.5 TFLs and two sacks.
Arriving to Penn State from an accomplished four-year career at Duke, Tangelo thanked both fan bases for their support as he now embarks on an NFL future.
“To my Duke family, thank you for taking a chance on a kid from Gaithersburg and welcoming me into a family. Coach Albert and Coach Manning, thank you for the lessons and teaching that have made me the player I am today. My Duke teammates, the bond we created will never he broken.
“Next, I would like to thank the Penn State coaching staff especially Coach Franklin and Coach Scott who are second to none. Their support and encouragement pushed me to be the hest version of myself Thank you for holding me to a high standard and helping my game elevate.
“To my Penn State brothers, the memories we have built will never be forgotten. The hard work and the tough times created a family I know I’ll have forever. It has been an honor to play alongside you guys.”
Penn State starters who have not yet indicated whether or not they will play on Saturday also includes super senior corner Tariq Castro-Fields.
