Nittany Lions In The NFL: Preseason Roundup
The NFL preseason has wrapped up, marking the end of a period where former Penn State players had a chance to showcase their skills and secure spots on their respective 53-man rosters. With roster cuts looming on Tuesday, the anticipation is high for Nittany Lion fans as they wait to see which players will make the final cut.
Key Takeaways:
- Parker Washington of the Jacksonville Jaguars impressed with his limited playing time, highlighting his athleticism on kickoff returns, including a 73-yard return against the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Sean Clifford fought for the backup quarterback position with the Green Bay Packers, compiling 207 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception over the preseason.
- KJ Hamler of the Buffalo Bills demonstrated versatility, playing both wide receiver and running back, scoring a touchdown on a three-yard run in the final preseason game.
- Ji’Ayir Brown of the San Francisco 49ers built on his impressive rookie year, recording four solo tackles and a forced fumble in the final preseason matchup.
- Olu Fashanu, the New York Jets’ first-round draft pick, showed promise as a left tackle in his debut but also saw time at right tackle, indicating his adaptability.
- Trace McSorley revitalized his NFL journey with a strong performance during the Commanders’ last preseason game. He turned heads with his toughness, famously refusing to be tackled by a Patriots’ cornerback.
A Look at Nittany Lions Across the NFL:
Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars
Parker Washington’s preseason was marked by impressive displays of skill, despite limited snaps. He tallied eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown during the Jaguars’ second preseason contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The highlight of his preseason came with a 73-yard kickoff return in the first game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he showcased his quickness and agility, taking advantage of the NFL’s new kickoff return rules.
Sean Clifford, Green Bay Packers
Sean Clifford’s preseason journey saw him compete for the backup quarterback spot behind Jordan Love. He threw for 207 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception over the Packers’ three preseason games. His battle with rookie quarterback Michael Pratt for the position added an element of intrigue to his performances.
KJ Hamler, Buffalo Bills
KJ Hamler showcased his versatility during the Bills’ preseason games, lining up both at wide receiver and running back. He recorded five receptions for 29 yards across three games. However, it was his performance in the final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers that stood out. Hamler rushed for 21 yards and a touchdown on three carries, demonstrating his value as a dual-threat player.
Ji’Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers
Ji’Ayir Brown is on track for a successful sophomore season with the San Francisco 49ers. The breakout star from Super Bowl LVII continued to impress, recording four solo tackles and a forced fumble during the 49ers’ last preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Olu Fashanu, New York Jets
Olu Fashanu, drafted in the first round by the New York Jets, made a strong start to his career, starting at left tackle in the first preseason game against the Washington Commanders. He recorded 13 pass-blocking snaps without allowing a single pressure, indicating his potential as a left tackle. Fashanu then transitioned to right tackle in the second game, illustrating his versatility and adaptability.
Kalen King, Green Bay Packers
Kalen King appeared in two of the Packers’ preseason games, contributing nine tackles and forcing a fumble in the final game. His performance indicates a promising future as a defensive force in the Packers’ secondary.
Trace McSorley, Washington Commanders
Trace McSorley, after signing with the Washington Commanders, showcased his skills in two preseason appearances. He passed for 218 yards and rushed for 40 yards, including a touchdown and an interception. McSorley’s impressive performance in the Commanders’ last game against the Patriots, where he refused to be tackled by a Patriots’ cornerback, showcased his determination and toughness.
Other Notables
- Theo Johnson, who played in one preseason game for the New York Giants, recorded one reception for four yards.
- Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appeared in one preseason game and recorded one reception for nine yards.
- Chop Robinson of the Miami Dolphins saw action in two preseason games, recording three tackles in his limited playing time.
- Curtis Jacobs, vying for a spot on the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared in all three preseason games and recorded eight total tackles.
- Dan Chisena of the Arizona Cardinals played a single preseason game, catching 5 passes for 63 yards against the New Orleans Saints.
- Allen Robinson, who signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants, saw limited action during the preseason, recording three receptions for 23 yards over three games.
As the NFL roster cutdown day arrives, it will be interesting to see which of these Nittany Lions earn a spot on a 53-man roster. Their success in the preseason has paved the way for exciting possibilities as they continue their individual journeys in the NFL.
