Penn State center Juice Scruggs announces Rose Bowl, future plans
Penn State center Juice Scruggs has a stay-or-go decision to make following the Lions’ Jan. 2 matchup with Utah in the Rose Bowl. The senior has already accepted an invitation to play in February’s East-West Shrine Bowl. However, that doesn’t mean he cannot later turn it down to use the free year of eligibility the NCAA provided all players because of the coronavirus pandemic.
So, where do things stand now? The offensive lineman addressed the topic in a Tweet on Friday night.
He’s going to the NFL. But first, he’ll play in the Rose Bowl.
“First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to live out my dreams. To my family and supporters, I appreciate everything you all have done for me. The sacrifices you all have made have got me to where I am today.
“Penn state, thank you for accepting me as a young 18-year old kid with open arms. We have stuck as a family through the ups and downs, and I am forever grateful to be a Nittany Lion. Penn State has given me an amazing education which I am beyond blessed to have.
“Thank you Coach Franklin, Coach Trautwein and the entire coaching staff.
“To my brothers, the relationships and bonds we built in the locker room are forever. Thank you for choosing me as your captain. It was truly an honor.
“With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. I will also finish what we started and playin the Rose Bowl. We are!”
Juice Scruggs Penn State career
Scruggs has started 25 straight games along the Penn State offensive line. He played guard in 2021 and then center in 2022. He was a team captain this past fall. The Big Ten’s coaches made him a third-team all-conference selection. And, he garnered honorable mention honors from the media voting panel.
“I’m a huge Juice Scruggs fan and I’m a huge Karen Scruggs fan, that’s his mom, they are awesome,” Penn State coach James Franklin said in November. “She’s been phenomenal, he’s been phenomenal. Right now, we’re not in an ideal situation. Here’s a guy who’s played a ton of football for Penn State and we got him in at the end of the game because there’s no one else to put in right now.”
Scruggs is from Erie, Pa. He missed all of the 2019 season due to an automobile accident in which he suffered significant injuries. However, he overcame those to return to action in 2020. He has been one of the most durable Penn State players over the last three seasons and a key part of an ever-improving offensive line over the last trio of years.
Penn State offensive line outlook in 2023
Penn State will have at least six players back who started at least one game up front in 2022. Hunter Nourzad is likely to move to center next season. But, the Kions also have other options there should it decide to keep Nourzad, who already announced his intent to return in 2023, at guard.
The Lions will have Olu Fashanu back at left tackle next season. Tackles Drew Shelton and Caedan Wallace, plus guards Landon Tengwall, Nourzad, and Sal Wormley started at least one game. All are expected back, too. JB Nelson and Vega Ioane are two players, then, who are expected to contribute more in their second season with the program.
The Rose Bowl is set for 5 p.m. ET on ABC.
