Penn State defensive tackles detail sixth year decisions
Dvon Ellies had an idea he’d be back. The veteran Penn State defensive tackle, at least, acknowledged that through five years as a Nittany Lion, he had a decision to make about his future.
Able to take advantage of a potential sixth year thanks to the COVID participation rule of 2020, Ellies could return to play with the Nittany Lions in 2024. Or, having produced his best year with the program in 2023, he could opt to test the waters of professional football next year.
Fresh off Penn State’s 38-25 loss to Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl, Ellies landed on a decision. Announcing his plans via social media, Ellies said simply that he was “back.” This week, sitting with teammates Hakeem Beamon, Aeneas Hawkins and Jerry Cross for State Media’s “The Lion’s Den” podcast, Ellies explained further the reasoning behind his choice.
Disappointed by the outcome of the bowl, with an eye toward the program’s potential in 2024, Ellies said his choice was cemented.
“I was 100 percent for sure on it after the game,” said Ellies. “I kind of had an idea beforehand. But I was very set on that decision after the game. I had a lot better year than I had last year, and I just want to capitalize on that.
“Just running it back one more time with the guys was like, that’s a big thing. And I can’t go out like that. Ole Miss, congratulations, great team. But I can’t go like that and I know with the talent we have and with everything changing, going to tournament style, I think we’ll do a lot better. We have a lot more to prove. We got a lot more left in the tank.”
Ellies started eight games for the Nittany Lions this season, finishing with eight quarterback pressures and 17 tackles, per PFF. And, he finished with his best performance of the season in the Peach Bowl.
Hakeem Beamon shares rationale
Ellies wasn’t alone in making that choice. On a defensive line that will deal with the fallout of Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson moving on to the NFL at end, the Nittany Lions also will welcome back Beamon, Coziah Izzard, and Zane Durant to keep the entirety of its main defensive tackle rotation in tact.
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Also joining the show this week, Beamon similarly explained that a combination of his personal performance and the team’s Peach Bowl outcome heavily influenced his decision to return for the 2024 campaign.
“Honestly, I could say after that game, I truly made that decision,” Beamon said. “I didn’t have the best season, personally. And I didn’t want to go out like that. I got some making up to do with the guys, some proving to do.”
Following a redshirt year in 2019, Beamon played extensively during the COVID-amended 2020 season. The experience went without immediate dividends, though, as he sat out the 2021 campaign for undisclosed reasons. Returning for 2022 and 2023, accumulated 27 tackles, 7.5 of which were for a loss. He also finished with a DT-high 340 snaps and 11 quarterback hurries this past season.
Grateful for the opportunity to give it another go before closing out his Penn State career, Beamon said he’ll continue to pursue his dreams as a Nittany Lion.
“It’s a blessing. It is really humbling. Now you’re the old guy, the OG on the team, sixth year. Growing pains… you old as hell,” he said. “I wake up with growing pains every day. But it’s still a blessing. I get to wake up and chase my dreams every day. And that’s all you can ask for.”
