Arnold Ebiketie is the latest Penn State defensive player to announce he will skip the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day instead to focus on the 2022 NFL Draft.
Ebiketie was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2021 in his only season with the Nittany Lions. The defensive end transferred from Temple for his redshirt senior season and announced his draft plans Tuesday on Twitter, thanking his family, both programs and the Penn State fans.
“Nittany Nation, thank you for the love and support. I can’t begin to express my gratitude fully for the support from the fans. It’s been an honor to suit up in the Blue & White with this legendary fan base cheering us on,” he wrote.
“With that being said, I have decided to forego our bowl game and declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. From one dream to the next, I thank every person who has supported and helped me make this dream a reality.”
Ebiketie played in 12 games in the 2021 season, making 62 tackles and adding 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and seven quarterback hits. His 18 tackles for loss led the Big Ten.
Against No. 21 Arkansas in the Outback Bowl, Penn State also will be without defensive starters Ellis Brooks, Brandon Smith and Jaquan Brisker, all of whom opted out in favor of draft preparation.
–Field Level Media