Penn State's Jake Pinegar says he's pursuing NFL career
Jan. 15—Jake Pinegar, who ranks second in scoring in Penn State football history, has announced that he's skipping his final year of eligibility to pursue a career in the NFL.
Pinegar kicked five extra points in the Nittany Lions' 35-21 win over Utah in the Rose Bowl and finished his career with 342 points. Kevin Kelly, who scored 425 points from 2005-08, is first in school history.
Pinegar had an extra year of eligibility because of the NCAA's COVID-19 waiver, but he decided to leave Penn State. He thanked Lions coach James Franklin, other coaches and his family on social media Saturday.
"The last five years at Penn State have been nothing short of spectacular," Pinegar wrote. "Through the highs and the lows, I have learned so much and I wouldn't want my path to be shaped any other way.
"I think it is time for the next chapter in my career. I have decided to chase a childhood dream of mine of playing in the NFL."
Pinegar made 12-of-16 field goal attempts in the 2022 season and 52-of-54 extra points. He holds the school record for career extra points (195), ranks fourth in field goals (49) and seventh in field goal percentage (73.1).
With Pinegar's departure, Sander Sahaydak and Columbia transfer Alex Felkins are expected to compete to be Penn State's kicker.
Sahaydak was rated as one of the top kickers in the 2021 recruiting class after an outstanding career at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, where he made 21 field goals.
After being redshirted in 2021, he made 1-of-2 field goals in 2022 and kicked off 15 times, sending four for touchbacks.
Felkins made 11-of-16 field goal attempts, with a long of 53 yards, and 28-of-28 PATs in 2022 at Columbia.
In other personnel news, linebacker Charlie Katshir and cornerback Marquis Wilson are no longer on the Penn State roster.
Katshir, a former three-star prospect from Cumberland Valley High School, spent five seasons with the Lions and played in 35 games, including seven this past season. He finished his career with 31 tackles, including two for losses, and one forced fumble.
Wilson was a four-star prospect from Windsor, Conn., who played in 38 games at cornerback and wide receiver, including two starts in 2020. He made 20 tackles this past season, including 1.5 for losses, forced one fumble and broke up two passes.
He finished his Penn State career with 56 tackles, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
