A Pair of Nittany Lions Opt Out of the Outback Bowl, Set Focus on NFL Draft

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

Penn State will be a down a pair of All-Big Ten players when they take the field against No. 21 Arkansas on Sunday in the Outback Bowl.  Safety Jaquan Brisker and wide receiver Jahan Dotson have officially opted out of the bowl game and will focus on the upcoming NFL Draft process.  

Brisker, a first-team All-Big Ten selection, made his announcement this morning on social media.  The Pittsburgh, PA native, returned for the 2020 season and had his best year in Happy Valley.  He ranks fourth on the team in total tackles, 64, with six tackles for loss, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.  Brisker's NFL quest will begin in four-weeks when he plays in the Resse's Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. 

Thank you Penn State, I love you with all my heart Nittany Nation… Forever a Nittany Lion! #WeAre #LLL pic.twitter.com/KLhgC3OG9V

— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) December 27, 2021

Like Brisker, Dotson announced his intentions on social media thus ending one of the more historic careers in Penn State footbal history.  Dotson nabbed first-team All-Big Ten honors, All-American honors, and a trip to the Resse's Senior Bowl.  He set the Penn State single game receiving record with 242-yards in a 31-14 win at Maryland. 

I used to only dream in my sleep …

Thank you Nittany Nation for helping my dreams come true !

Love 5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/1ilEtBQZYG

— Jahan Dotson (@H55ZY) December 27, 2021

Defebsively, Penn State was already down linebackers Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks, both players previously opted out of the Outback Bowl.