Penn State's Theo Johnson to Enter 2024 NFL Draft

The tight end will remain with the Nittany Lions through the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss.

Penn State tight end announced Friday that he will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2024 NFL Draft. In a social media post, Johnson also said that he will remain with the Nittany Lions for the Dec. 30 Peach Bowl against Ole Miss.

"Thank you to Coach [James] Franklin, [tight ends] Coach [Ty] Howle, the coaches, players, staff and the fans for making my time at Penn State an unforgettable experience," Johnson wrote in his post. "After a lot of thought and prayer, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. I cannot wait to be with my Penn State Football family one last time when we compete at the Peach Bowl."

It’s been real Happy Valley!🖤 pic.twitter.com/UHLm09d7pT

— Theo Johnson (@theo_Johnson_) December 8, 2023

Johnson emerged as one of Penn State's leading offensive targets this season. He finished second in receptions and yardage (32 for 325) and caught six touchdown passes. Johnson, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, is tied for third all-time among Penn State tight ends with 11 career touchdown receptions.

Johnson is the second Penn State player to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, following defensive end Chop Robinson. According to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., Johnson is the fifth-ranked tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Fellow Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who also is draft eligible, is No. 7.

Johnson, a Penn State captain this season, is among the team's most charismatic leaders. After the Nittany Lions' 27-6 victory over Rutgers on Senior Day, Johnson delivered a thank-you speech in the locker room to Franklin. The Penn State coach had been booed at Beaver Stadium the week prior during and after the Nittany Lions' loss to Michigan.

"He puts up with a lot of stuff," Johnson said of Franklin after the Rutgers game. "Puts up with a lot and has to go through a lot and always protects us and shields us from stuff. People have a lot of opinions about our coach, but in our locker room, everyone has tremendous love and respect for him and who he is to us."

"Theo's message to coach Franklin was excellent and it kind of opened people's eyes in the room," linebacker Kobe King said. "It gave people a reflection on what coach Franklin did since he started here and what he has done."

No. 10 Penn State plays No. 11 Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl, which kicks off at noon ET Dec. 30 from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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