Trending
Penn State is in Atlanta preparing for Saturday's Peach Bowl against Mississippi (noon, ESPN), and the focus is still on potential opt-outs as players turn their attention to the NFL.
James Franklin confirmed Tuesday that cornerback Kalen King, who is projected as a high round draft pick and possible first-rounder, is with the team.
Lions 247 reported King and offensive tackle Olu Fashanu were "on the practice field" Tuesday.
Fashanu previously announced that he'll forgo a final year of eligibility -- some NFL Draft analysts have him as a top-10 selection -- but has not indicated whether he'll play against Ole Miss.
King, meanwhile, has not yet declared his intentions publicly, but it sounds as if he won't be back for 2024.
Franklin said he's had "good discussions" with King and his parents and "came up with a plan that everybody was comfortable with. So, (it's) great to have him here and be a part of the program for one more game."
When it comes to opt-outs, Franklin often refers to Saquon Barkley, who played in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl despite being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 Draft.
Barkley carried 18 times against Washington for 138 yards and scored two touchdowns (one from 92 yards).
"These are different times in college football, but if you have honest dialogue, there's no reason for any player to opt-out," Franklin said, even if that means a reduced role.
Safety Kevin Winston said King's presence is meaningful.
"When you do get the opportunity to play with them again, you don't take that for granted -- one more game with your brother," he said. "You may not ever play with him or whoever it is again ... We will make sure we have the most fun with him and send him out on a great note."
If King doesn't play much against Ole Miss, true freshmen corners Zion Tracy and Elliot Washington could see additional time.
To this point, aside from Fashanu, the following Lions have declared for the NFL but have indicated they'll play vs. Ole Miss: TE Theo Johnson, LB Curtis Jacobs, DB Daequan Hardy, C Hunter Nourzad and OT Caeden Wallace.
DE Chop Robinson is leaving for the NFL and not playing in the Peach Bowl.
DE Adisa Isaac and CB Johnny Dixon have not declared their intentions.
TE Tyler Warren has announced he's returning to PSU for the 2024 season.
Ole Miss has had one player opt out so far as defensive end Cedric Johnson is bypassing the game.
Notes: Penn State practiced at Georgia Tech on Sunday and the team worked out at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday ... The Lions toured the Martin Luther King Museum on Monday ... Former Lion star quarterback Kerry Collins will serve as PSU's honorary captain ... The game is a sellout ... Mercedes-Benz Stadium seats 71,000.