Penn State’s James Franklin provides an update on Kalen King’s status for the Peach Bowl
Penn State corner Kalen King’s time with the Nittany Lions’ program is not up. Yet.
The third-year defensive back, who would be an early pick in the 2024 NFL draft if he chooses to leave school, is with the Penn State team in Atlanta as the Lions continue preparations for their Peach Bowl date with Ole Miss on Saturday.
King was not made available to reporters on a Penn State Zoom call Tuesday, but James Franklin confirmed King was with the team.
“Kalen was great, Kalen’s parents were great,” Franklin said.
“(We) had really good discussions and came up with a plan that everybody was comfortable with. Great to have him here, be a part of the program for one more game.”
Kalen King, the twin brother of Penn State middle linebacker Kobe King, was a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the conference’s coaches in 2023.
Kalen appeared in all 12 regular-season games for the Lions and was credited with 29 tackles and two passes defensed.
King’s numbers were more impressive in 2022 when he finished with three interceptions and 18 pass breakups.
It’s been a busy month for Penn State in terms of player decisions.
Edge rusher Chop Robinson declared for the 2024 NFL draft and will not play in the Peach.
Tight end Theo Johnson, safety Daequan Hardy, outside linebacker Curtis Jacobs and offensive tackle Caedan Wallace announced they are declaring for the 2024 draft and will play in the bowl game.
Another veteran tight end, Tyler Warren, announced he is returning to Penn State.
Star offensive tackle Olu Fashanu has declared for the 2024 draft and remains with the team in Atlanta.
“These are different times in college football and we’ve worked really hard to create a relationship with our players, that there can be open and honest dialogue and discussions,” Franklin said on Tuesday.
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