JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Junior quarterback Christian Hackenberg and redshirt junior defensive tackle Austin Johnson both declared for the NFL Draft following the conclusion of the Nittany Lions’ 24-17 TaxSlayer Bowl loss to Georgia.
“It’s been an awesome ride,” said Hackenberg who exited the bowl game in the second quarter with what head coach James Franklin said was a sprained right shoulder. Hackenberg didn’t return though Franklin said the X-Rays were negative and Hackenberg said after the game he didn’t think the injury was serious.
“Tough way it kind of ended, but I bleed blue and white and this place means the world to me,” Hackenberg said. “You’re going to see me around a lot.”
Hackenberg finishes his career after starting every game the last three seasons and absorbing 100-plus sacks. Once the five-star prospect who committed to Penn State despite the NCAA’s sanctions against the program, Hackenberg was sure to also thank his former head coach Bill O’Brien who recruited him to Penn State.
What is Hackenberg's legacy at Penn State?
"I don't know how it's all going to turn out, but all I know is every time I stepped in that building, every time I had an opportunity to represent the university and the football program I tried to do it to the best of my ability and I hope that that was good enough for those people and it was an honor again to be part of such a special group of guys to do so. It's such a special place."
Hack on how he wants to be remembered at PSU: pic.twitter.com/CwU0SnZ9B5
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) January 2, 2016
Minutes later, as the Lions’ players’ boarded the bus, Johnson walked back down the hallway to share his NFL intentions as well. Johnson said he received and NFL Draft grade on his evaluation, meaning he is a projected first or second-round pick.
The 315-pound tackle said he’s unsure where he will train for the draft and said he became emotional after the game when saying goodbye to his teammates, specifically fellow tackle Anthony Zettel. Penn State will need to replace three of their front four next season, including Johnson, Zettel and defensive end Carl Nassib.
DT Austin Johnson said he hugged it out with Anthony Zettel, his close friend and the guy he lined up nxt to. pic.twitter.com/q76hNJ2FaR
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) January 2, 2016
“I just want to thank the coaches, [defensive line] coach [Sean] Spencer, coach Franklin for supporting me and pushing me,” Johnson said. “And just helping me strive to be one of the best. I can’t repay those guys enough. I want to thank coach Paterno and that staff for giving me an offer and coach [Larry] Johnson.”
Audrey Snyder: asnyder@post-gazette.com and Twitter @audsnyder4.
First Published: January 2, 2016, 10:32 p.m.
