Penn State football senior kicker Jake Pinegar declares for 2023 NFL Draft
Penn State will have another open camp for the kicker position this upcoming season.
The Nittany Lions are set to lose Jake Pinegar, who announced on Twitter Saturday that he’s declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. He had one year left of eligibility.
“The last five years at Penn State have been nothing short of spectacular,” he wrote. “Through the highs and the lows, I have learned so much and I wouldn’t want my path to be shaped any other way. I would like to thank Coach (James) Franklin and every other coach and mentor at Penn State for their help shaping me into the person I am today. I would also like to thank my family and close friends for the unwavering support throughout my journey.
“With that being said, I think it is time for the next chapter in my career. I have decided to chase a childhood dream of mine of playing in the NFL.”
The senior kicker went 75% (12-of-16) on kicks this season, going 5-for-6 from 20-29 yards out, 1-for-3 from 30-39 yards, 4-for-5 from 40-49 yards and went 2-for-2 on kicks from 50 yards. His longest kick of the season was for 50 yards, he went 57-for-59 on extra point attempts and scored 93 points for the Nittany Lions this season.
With Pinegar departing, redshirt freshmen Sander Sahaydak and Gabriel Nwosu are set to compete for the starting role at placekicker and kickoff specialist.
