Skip to main content
penn-state logo

Former Penn State DE Amin Vanover surfaces in NFL rookie camp

Fitz headshot croppedby:Sean Fitz•05/11/25•

SeanFitzOn3

bwi-chat-penn-state-decisions-ol-sorting-more
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Amin Vanover (15) reacts with the trophy after defeating the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Things were curiously quiet in the aftermath of April’s NFL Draft for former Penn State defensive end Amin Vanover. After his request for another season of college ball was denied by the NCAA in February, Vanover shifted his focus to the pros. He did not hear his name called in the draft and was not flagged as an undrafted free agent in the days after.

Now, he’s getting his shot. Vanover popped up in Miami Dolphins rookie camp this week among those listed on a tryout basis. Tryout spots are not guaranteed, and Vanover is one of 20 players brought in to work out. Also on the list for the Dolphins are former Notre Dame defensive lineman R.J. Oben and former Penn State linebacker commit Derek Wingo, who eventually flipped to Florida and played for the Gators. 

Also in rookie camp this week as a trialist with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is former Penn State defensive tackle D’Von J-Thomas. Of the dozen players who participated in Penn State’s Pro Day back in March, all 12 are now accounted for.

Penn State NFL rookie rundown

– Edge rusher Abdul Carter went to the New York Giants in the first round. 
– Tight end Tyler Warren was a first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts. 
– Safety KJ Winston signed with the Tennessee Titans as a third-round pick. 
– Safety Jaylen Reed was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round. 
– Linebacker Kobe King was picked by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round. 
– Defensive tackle Coziah Izzard signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs. 
– Wide receiver Julian Fleming was set to sign with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent, but failed a physical prior to doing so. He is once again a free agent. 
– Offensive lineman Sal Wormley signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. 
– Cornerback Jalen Kimber signed a free-agent deal with the Tennessee Titans. 
– Defensive tackle D’Von J-Thomas is in rookie camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
– Defensive end Amin Vanover is in rookie camp with the Miami Dolphins.
– Former Penn State kicker Alex Felkins earned a tryout with the Buffalo Bills. 

Recapping Amin Vanover’s Nittany Lion football career

After the season, Penn State and Vanover were seeking a sixth year with the Nittany Lions after playing in 36 regular-season games over the last four seasons. The New Jersey native finished the 2024 season with 21 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Had his waiver been approved, he was slotted as a potential starter opposite Dani Dennis-Sutton in 2025. Instead, he finished his college career with 50 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He also forced a pair of fumbles.  

Originally a member of the Class of 2020 out of St. Joseph’s Regional High School in Montvale, N.J., Vanover played in two games in his first season, then six in his second. He played in 13 games in 2022, but missed five games in 2023 with an injury. He played in 16 games for the Nittany Lions in his final year.

“I think Amin Vanover is a pretty cool story for us… And he’s a guy, in my opinion, that’s done it the right way,” James Franklin said last spring. “It hasn’t always been easy for him or us. His journey has been challenging at times. And he’s stuck it out and just gotten better and better and better and better.”

Vanover checked in at 6-4, 258 at Pro Day in March. He posted a 4.76-second 40-yard dash, a 4.60-second shuttle, a 30-inch vertical and a 9-6 broad jump. 

You may also like