Following the trend of the day, Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth announced on Sunday that he will forgo his fourth season at Penn State and declare for the NFL Draft.

Freiermuth has 16 career touchdowns at Penn State, which is the most all-time by a Nittany Lions tight end. His total TDs ranks eighth overall in program history. He also amassed 1,185 career receiving yards, which ranks 26th in program history and third among tight ends. He became the 34th PSU player to accumulate over 1,000 career yards.

Selected as the 2020 Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year, Freiermuth became the first PSU tight end to receive the honor. He started all four games of the season before suffering a season-ending injury.

Currently ranked seventh overall in the Big Ten in receptions, Freiermuth is eighth in receiving yards (310) and ninth in receiving yards per game in 2020. His totals still lead all Big Ten tight ends in receiving yards as of the Dec. 19 games and closes his career having caught at least one pass in 29-straight games.

Sunday afternoon Freiermuth released a statement on Twitter.

“It has been an absolute honor representing the Blue and White these past three seasons,” said Freiermuth. “When I received my offer from Penn State, I knew right away it was the place I wanted to be. Obviously, the way my career ended wasn’t what I wished for, needing season-ending surgery on my shoulder. Nittany Nation, I can promise you, I gave you everything I had.

“After many conversations with my loved ones and coaches, I have decided to forgo my final year of eligibility and officially declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this step in my career. My mom, dad, brother, Tim, sister, Megan, the Harvilles, the Foleys, my friends, my coaches, Pentucket High School and the Brooks School. Thank you to the athletic training, strength and academic staffs, as well as everyone else for helping me reach my full potential here at Penn State.”