Memorable Undrafted Free Agents in Penn State Football History Reflect on Their Unfulfilled Potential
Penn State saw eight players drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, including Olu Fashanu and Chop Robinson in the first round. However, these eight are not the only Nittany Lions expected to make an impact in the NFL.
Curtis Jacobs, Keaton Ellis, and Trey Potts all signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents. Johnny Dixon, who suffered an injury at the Senior Bowl, has yet to sign but could find a team once he recovers.
Dixon, who likely would have been drafted on Day 3 if fully healthy throughout the draft process, remains optimistic despite not being signed yet due to injury. His journey is a familiar one at Penn State, where undrafted players have often succeeded even if they don’t immediately join an NFL roster after graduating.
With the emergence of the UFL, players now have even more opportunities to pursue their professional football dreams. Two former Nittany Lions are currently playing in the spring league.
**Top 5 Best Undrafted Free Agents in Penn State Football History:**
5. Tyoka Jackson, DT
– Signed as UDFA in 1994
– NFL Career: 1994-2006
– Achievements: Defensive MVP of 1992 Fiesta Bowl, first-team All-Big Ten in 1993
– NFL Stats: 29.0 sacks, 196 total tackles
– Teams: Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams
