Penn State picks up pair of walk-ons; Riley Thompson makes The Athletic’s 2023 All-Portal team: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Dec. 13 include postseason honors for Riley Thompson plus a pair of walk-on commitments.
It’s time to dive into Wednesday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with a new postseason honor. First-year Penn State punter Riley Thompson was named to The Athletic’s transfer portal All-American team. It recognizes high-impact players who moved from one college to another last offseason. Thompson shined during his first year in blue and white and has two seasons of eligibility left.
“Thompson, an Aussie who transferred in from FAU, is averaging 45.4 yards per punt and has dropped 18 of his 45 kicks inside the 20-yard line,” Max Olson writes. “He’s among the top 10 nationally in net punting (42.6), according to PFF, and the Nittany Lions have allowed just 85 punt return yards on the season.”
Thompson recently confirmed his extended eligibility to stay with the Lions through 2025.
“I have absolutely loved my first season playing in front of you guys at Beaver Stadium,” Thompson wrote. “I am so thrilled to announce that I have been approved by the NCAA for a two-year extension to my eligibility clock through the 2025 season. (And) I can’t wait to be back out there with my teammates and in front of you.
“Job’s not finished. We Are!”
In other news, Penn State football has picked up a pair of walk-on pledges. Canon McMillan Class of 2024 cornerback Tyler Armstead will join the Lions next year. Mt. Lebanon linebacker Beckham Dee will, as well. He had an offer to and was committed to Air Force before changing gears and accepting the Lions’ PWO offer.
Headlines of the day
Penn State has the ‘most electric’ stadium entrance in college football, this study says: Kiner, PennLive
Penn State-Ole Miss Peach Bowl: Who’s announcing the game, and where will the referees be from?: Pickel, BWI
‘Awesome Opportunity!’ Kiffin Raves On Peach Bowl Matchup vs. PSU: Gillespie, SI
New Penn State pick logged in On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine: Snyder, BWI
Should Ole Miss football be underdog in Peach Bowl vs Penn State?: The Clarion Ledger
Anthony Speca recaps weekend visit to Penn State, Manny Diaz’s departure and much more: Snyder, BWI
Quote of the day
“We have a great relationship and I love Coach Diaz. I really hope he succeeds at Duke, but for me and Penn State, that doesn’t really change much on how I view my commitment or anything like that. I was going to Penn State whether or not Manny Diaz was there. Penn State has had great defenses since it’s been around, and I don’t think that’s going to stop. So, it wasn’t ideal, but they’re gonna get somebody to run a great defense.”
—PSU Class of 2024 LB commit Anthony Speca on Manny Diaz leaving the Lions for Duke.
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