Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs declares for NFL Draft, will play in Peach Bowl
Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs has made a decision about his future. The junior is declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. But, the Glen Burnie, Md., native does intend to play with his teammates one final time in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 30.
“I want to start by thanking my family and all who have supported me through this long journey,” Jacobs wrote on Twitter. “I’ve dedicated my life to this game, and the consistent love and support from you is what fuels me every day as I continue. Thank you to my Penn State family, coaches, players and fans. My time here has been very special and I will never forget it. I gave everything I had on the field for my brothers and I have made relationships that will last a lifetime. I am truly thankful for the opportunity and experience.
“With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. I am excited to be embarking on this new opportunity and fulfilling a lifelong dream. There is still unfinished business for this season. I am excited to compete with my brothers one last time in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.”
Jacobs said earlier in the day at the local Penn State bowl media day that he was not yet ready to announce his decision. But, he did talk about the idea of making it.
“I feel like I’m in a way better position than I was last year,” Jacobs said. “Just being able to gain an extra year of experience. I can honestly say right now I wasn’t ready for the NFL last year based on conversations I had with coaches, family, all that. I don’t think I was ready to put myself in that position. So, I feel like I have to have that same process this year and see that if I’m really ready or not. So it just comes down to having those conversations and seeing what’s going on.”
Those conversations have led to this moment.
Tracking Penn State player decisions
Here’s what else we learned on Friday:
Lions tackle Olu Fashanu said he is undecided about both playing in the game and his decision to leave for the NFL or come back for another year. He is expected to leave. Whether or not he will play in the Peach Bowl is up in the air. It feels unlikely. But, he is practicing with the team and will travel to Atlanta.
Penn State end Adisa Isaac said as a captain, he feels like he has a responsibility to both be with his team at the Peach Bowl and play in it. But, logic dictates that he will be on a snap count. He has not yet made a stay-or-go decision.
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Lions tight end Tyler Warren will play in the Peach Bowl. But, he was not yet ready to reveal his future plans beyond that.
Lions cornerback Daequan Hardy is playing in the Peach Bowl. But, he, too, has not yet made his stay-or-go decision public. He has the COVID extra year of eligibility remaining.
The list above is only reflective of the players who were made available at Friday’s local media day. Other Penn State players who would have been asked the same question if available include cornerbacks Kalen King and Johnny Dixon, offensive linemen Sal Wormley and Caedan Wallace, receivers Dante Cephas and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and running back Trey Potts. We’ll see if any of them are available in Atlanta. That is the next time the progam is set to make any players available.
Beyond that, we already know two other details. Chop Robinson won’t play in the Peach Bowl and is off to the NFL Draft. And, tight end Theo Johnson will play but has already declared for the Draft.
