Penn State notebook: Parsons is PFWA rookie of the year, former Lion enters transfer portal
Former Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons is the Pro Football Writers Association NFL rookie of the year.
Parsons also claimed Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, winning the overall award over Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase.
Parsons finished the season with 13 sacks, missing out on the rookie record of 14.5 only narrowly.
Parsons made 20 tackles for loss, which ties him for the 32nd most all-time in a single season, according to Pro Football Reference Data. He tied for fourth in the league with 30 QB hits, and second with 17 QB knockdowns. His 47 pressures were good enough for fourth in the NFL.
All of that was achieved while playing both linebacker and defensive end.
“I view myself as one of the most versatile players in the NFL,” Parsons told Sports Illustrated this season. “I mean, I’m a guy that can do it all, but I want to do it all. I just want every opportunity I can get. I always say you gotta take advantage of the opportunities, and I just feel like any chance I can get to be on the field is just a great opportunity for me to display my talents. I don’t really believe in wasting opportunities, so I’m a guy that just wants to be out there.”
He wasn’t the only Penn State player honored, though.
Fellow first-round pick Odafe Oweh earned a place on the PFWA’s All-Rookie first-team.
Oweh finished his rookie season with five sacks, 15 QB hits, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries to go along with 33 tackles.
Former Penn State DB enters transfer portal
Former Penn State cornerback AJ Lytton has entered the transfer portal, according to On3 reporter Matt Zenitz.
Lytton arrived in State College ahead of this season, having sat out 2020 after leaving Florida State.
His role on Penn State’s defense was minimal.
Lytton played only two snaps on defense all season, both coming at corner during Penn State’s win over Ball State in Week Two.
He did, however, contribute effectively for the Nittany Lions on special teams.
Lytton played on Penn State’s punt return team, while also serving on the kick and punt coverage units.
He was most noticeable as a gunner in punt coverage, helping Jordan Stout and the Nittany Lions maintain one of the nation’s best punting units.
Lytton is one of several Nittany Lions who did not appear on the updated version of Penn State’s roster, including wideout Cam Sullivan-Brown, wideout Daniel George, defensive tackle Fred Hansard, offensive lineman Anthony Whigan, and specialist Drew Hartlaub.
