Penn State kicker Vlad Hilling announces new role with Nittany Lions
Penn State football players have a new coach for winter workouts for which no adjustment will be necessary.
Announced Thursday via Twitter, walk-on kicker Vlad Hilling revealed that he has taken on a role as an intern with the program’s performance enhancement staff. As such, his departure from the Nittany Lions’ roster didn’t mean the end of his time with the program.
The statement reads in full:
“My four years as a Penn State football student-athlete have come to an end. I would like to thank God for all the amazing opportunities he has presented me with during my life. Without him, none of this would be possible. I would like to thank my amazing parents who have done and sacrificed everything for me and people who have constantly pushed me to be the best possible version of myself and to never settle. I would like to thank Coach Franklin for taking a chance on me and for allowing me to be part of his family for the past four years. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to you and all of your staff for all they have done for me. I will be forever grateful for everything you have done for me.
“These past four years have been some of the most memorable years of my life. I have created friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. I was fortunate enough to learn from not only some of the best coaches in America but also great husbands and fathers. I was lucky enough to base my journey on four amazing values. To always have a positive attitude, have a great work ethic, compete in everything I do, and must be willing to sacrifice. These four core values have helped me navigate through my journey and I will carry those lessons with me throughout the rest of my life!
“This semester I was grateful enough to have accepted an internship opportunity with Coach Losey and the Penn State football performance enhancement staff! I am looking forward to learning from the best in the business and continuing to grow in my knowledge and experience. As this is my last semester, I am excited to announce I will be graduating in May. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
Penn State teammates react
The news was met with excitement by his Penn State teammates, both current and former.
Among them, punter Jordan Stout called Hilling “PSU’s ultimate teammate.” Kicker Sander Sahaydak and receiver Jahan Dotson also congratulated the former run-on.
A product of Hollidaysburg, Pa., Hilling was an Academic All-Big Ten selection each of the past three years.
