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Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown announces he'll return for 2022

Mug-Shot 4x4by:Ryan Snyder•12/21/21•

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Penn State learned on Tuesday that safety Ji'Ayir Brown will return to the Nittany Lions for the 2022 season. (Credit: BWI/Steve Manuel)

Penn State received a major boast for its 2022 roster Tuesday when safety Ji’Ayir Brown announced that he’ll be returning next season.

“After sitting down and exploring all my options about my future with my family, I am confident with my decision to remain at Penn State alongside my brothers for another year,” Brown posted on Twitter Tuesday. “I look forward to learning, growing and developing more as a player, a student and a man.

“I’m grateful for my coaches, teammates, the support staff and everyone who makes up Penn State Athletics. I look forward to another year with you all.”

This past season, Brown totaled 67 tackles and four interceptions for the Nittany Lions. He also had five pass break ups, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. He was named third-team All-Big Ten according to the coaches.

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Brown also earned an overall defensive grade of 65.2 this season according to Pro Football Focus. Much of his best ball came towards the end of the season. Against Ohio State, he earned an overall defensive grade of 80.2, his highest of the season.

With Tyler Rudolph no longer on the team and Enzo Jennings in the transfer portal, the Nittany Lions would’ve been in trouble at the safety position if Brown didn’t return. Keaton Ellis is the only other upperclassmen expected on the roster, as Jonathan Sutherland and Drew Hartlaub are expected to move on. All-American Jaquan Brisker is out of eligibility and is expected to go high in the NFL Draft this upcoming spring. Brown said last week that he’s taken notice of Brisker’s rise.

“That’s playing a big role in my decision-making process,” Brown said in regards to Brisker. “I like what Jaquan did, as far as when he came back and how he improved his game and stuff like that. He’s been a great guide for me as a player.”

A junior college prospect from Lackawanna College, Brown joined Penn State in 2018. He was three-star prospect by all three major outlets at the time.

Brown joins quarterback Sean Clifford as another current senior starter who’s set to return to Penn State in 2021.

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