Penn State will be without another defensive starter for its Outback Bowl appearance vs. No. 21 Arkansas. Senior defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo announced that he’s opting out of the contest to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Tangelo joins linebackers Ellis Brooks and Brandon Smith, defensive back Jaquan Brisker & defensive lineman Arnold Ebiketie as the Penn State defensive starters to skip the bowl game.

“To the best fans in college football, thank you for cheering and supporting me in every game. It was an electric environment every time in Beaver Stadium with the 107K bringing the energy play in and play out,” Tangelo said. “You guys will always be with me and I’ll always appreciate you. Thank you Nittany Nation!”

Tangelo amassed 14 solo tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble this season. The 6-foot-2, 308-pound Tangelo spent the previous three seasons at Duke. For his career, Tangelo has tallied 73 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

Penn State is 7-5 overall and finished fourth place in the B1G East. The Outback Bowl is slated for Jan. 1 (12 p.m. EST) and will be televised on ESPN2.