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Penn State star LB opts out of Outback Bowl

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Penn State star linebacker Brandon Smith has made a decision on the Outback Bowl.

Friday evening, the Nittany Lions starting linebacker announced via Twitter that he is opting out of the team’s postseason appearance. Instead, he will set his sights on training for the 2022 NFL Draft.

“I am going to forgo my senior year and the bowl game and enter the 2022 NFL Draft,” Smith wrote on Twitter. “I will continue to work hard and do my best to represent my school and my family to the best of my ability on and off the field. We Are Penn State! Thank You for the many memories and smiles, and I am thankful for my time here!”

Smith ended the season as Penn State’s second-leading tackler, totaling 81 stops. He was also credited with 9 tackles for loss, 5 pass break-ups, 2 sacks and a forced fumble. The Nittany Lions ended the year 7-5.

Smith hit the double-digit tackle total twice during his junior year. He recorded 10 tackles in a 28-20 victory over Auburn and another 10 in a 21-17 loss to Michigan. The linebacker notched at least 5 tackles in 11 games.

Over his 3-year career in State College, Smith totaled 132 tackles, which includes 14 for loss. He also had 7 pass break-ups and an interception.

Penn State will play Arkansas in the Outback Bowl.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB