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Will Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown play in the Rose Bowl?

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•12/16/22•

GregPickel

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Safety Ji'Ayir Brown #16 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball downfield after intercepting the ball during the second half of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State senior safety Ji’Ayir Brown will play in the Rose Bowl, he told reporters at the Lions’ local bowl media day on Friday.

Brown is considered one of the top safety prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class. Others in his position have decided to opt-out of the postseason. But, despite saying it was a 50/50 proposition for some time, Brown flashed his trademark big smile when revealing that he would suit up against Utah in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 2.

“I love this team,” Brown said. “I love the guys. I have intentions on playing.”

What were the pros and cons of the decision?

“Definitely my guys,” Brown said. “The biggest pro is the guys on the team. Guys like PJ Mustipher, Sean Clifford, who put their blood, sweat, and tears into the program. I definitely want to go out there knowing that we put all this work in this offseason, from the summer, all the way until now, and end on just in the best note possible. That’s been the biggest pro. The con, you know as far as injuries and stuff like that, is the biggest con. And, that’s been basically overall the conversations I’ve been having.”

Brown was terrific in 2022. He led the Lions with 66 tackles and had 3 sacks, three pass breakups, and five quarterback hurries. He is also a team captain.

Corner Kalen King met the news with excitement.

“Just to know I got one more opportunity with a guy like that, it means a lot,” he said.

“What better way to go out then to play in the Rose Bowl, especially with people that you might never play a game with again. So, I’m definitely excited.”

Penn State opt outs are down this year

Brown may not play the whole game. In fact, he’ll likely be on a pitch count. But, it means much to him and the team that he will play in the Rose Bowl. Penn State’s only true opt out so far is corner Joey Porter Jr., who is likely to be a first-round NFL Draft pick. Brown believes the high-profile nature of the game is a reason why.

“A lot of guys watch this game growing up and want to be a part of this game,” Brown said.

Penn State coach James Franklin said earlier in the day that last year’s high number of opt-outs for the Outback Bowl were uncharacteristic. And, historically over his tenure, he’s right. Thus, this year is getting back to normal, of sorts, for the Lions program.

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