Penn State learns of big-time return for 2022; latest NFL mock draft sends another Lion to Dallas: Newsstand
A new Penn State and college football newsstand is live.
The top headlines and tweets about both topics include an updated NFL mock draft, news related to do-everything Lions specialist Jordan Stout, and much more.
Let’s dive into the news to know on Dec. 22.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with a mock draft update from Yahoo expert Eric Edholm. He has just one Nittany Lion going in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. It’s Jaquan Brisker, who he sends to the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 30 overall selection.
Pick spots won’t be locked in until the pro season ends, of course. But, if this did happen, Brisker would mark the second Penn State player to end up with the NFC East franchise in as many years. And, the last one worked out pretty well. Micah Parsons continues to track as the defensive rookie of the year favorite and could be the defensive player of the year, too.
“Brisker has great range, outstanding length and the kind of athleticism that could push him up higher in the draft once he tests. But if he falls to this range, he’s a good fit for a Dan Quinn defense,” Edholm writes.
Next, LAA Sports COO Joe A. Curtis says he has filed a trademark request on behalf of Stout. The filing is for the phrase “4th Down QB” for apparel and branding purposes. It’s not a surprising choice for the Penn State punter considering all he has done for the Lions in that department on fourth down.
Finally, we must note the big news that came in on Tuesday. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown has decided to follow a path similar to Brisker’s and return for one final season in blue and white after coming in from Lackawanna College.
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Headlines of the day
The Betting Guide to the Outback Bowl: Wogenrich, SI
With Ji’Ayir Brown back, how will Penn State safeties take shape?: Bauer, BWI
Top On3 Consensus offensive positions groups in the 2022 class: Hamilton, On3
Penn State TE target Andrew Rappleyea updates his recruitment and commitment timeline: Snyder, BWI
Micah Parsons leads NFC inside linebackers in NFL Pro Bowl voting during standout rookie year with Cowboys: Gallen, PennLive
Penn State wrestling blasts Arizona State to end 2021 portion of its schedule with perfect mark: Pickel, BWI
Ji’Ayir Brown Returning for 2022 Season: Angieri, Statecollege.com
Penn State special teams notebook: Joe Lorig explains Jake Pinegar’s lack of opportunities, more: Eckert, BWI
Quote of the day
“I don’t think we were really good on kickoff return,” Lorig said. “I’d like to see us take some steps forward in that area. And then punt return, I don’t know how the statistics worked out, but we have a really good punt returner in Jahan Dotson and we just didn’t really get that many opportunities for a variety of reasons.
“In general, I’d like to see some improvement in our return areas.”
–PSU special teams coordinator Joe Lorig to reporters on the Lions’ return game in 2021.
