UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State football program saw six alums sign undrafted free agent contracts after having five players selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Nittany Lions have 11 players from the 2019 team with NFL opportunities.
The undrafted free agent signees include tight end Nick Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders), wide receiver Dan Chisena (Minnesota Vikings), punter Blake Gillikin (New Orleans Saints), offensive lineman Steven Gonzalez (Arizona Cardinals), linebacker Jan Johnson (Houston Texans) and safety Garrett Taylor (Buffalo Bills).
Penn State defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (2nd round, 38th overall to the Carolina Panthers), wide receiver KJ Hamler (2nd round, 46th overall to the Denver Broncos), cornerback John Reid (4th round, 141st overall to the Houston Texans), linebacker Cam Brown (6th round, 183rd overall to the New York Giants) and defensive lineman Robert Windsor (6th round, 193rd overall to the Indianapolis Colts) were each selected in this year's 2020 NFL Draft.
A total of 361 Nittany Lions have been selected all-time in the NFL Draft, which ranks tied for seventh among Division I institutions. Penn State has had 44 draft picks since 2010. A total of 26 Nittany Lions have been drafted since head coach James Franklin's arrival to the program, including 17 in the last three years.
This marks the third-straight year that Penn State has had at least five draft picks. The last time the Nittany Lions had three consecutive years of five or more picks was 1991-93.
PENN STATE UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNEES
Nick Bowers, TE, 6-4, 260, Kittanning, Pa./Kittanning Senior
"We are thrilled for Nick to have an opportunity to earn a spot with the Raiders," said Franklin. "Nick is the type of player you love to have on your football team. He persevered throughout setbacks in his career at Penn State and all of those battles have just made him stronger. His teammates love him. He was a fantastic student at Penn State and has been a model citizen. He earned his degree in labor and employment relations last spring. We are incredibly proud of all he's accomplished as a player and a role model."
"I am happy for Nick and his opportunity with the Raiders," said co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Tyler Bowen. "They're getting a great tight end that has the chance to be a three-tool player at protections, run game and making plays in the route game."
Nick Bowers Bio
- Two-Time Academic All-Big Ten selection.
- Earned the Tim Shaw Thrive Award, as a student-athlete who has overcome adversities and been an inspiration to fellow teammates, at the team's awards banquet.
- Appeared in 13 games in 2019, making two starts.
- Graduated with a degree in labor & employment relations in May 2019.
- Caught two passes for a career-best 70 yards in the win at Maryland (9/27/19), which included a 15-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter and a career-long 55-yard reception in the third quarter.
- In the win over Purdue (10/5/19), he tied a career-high with three receptions for 66 yards, including a 48-yard grab in the first quarter.
- Caught two passes for 44 yards in the win at Michigan State (10/26/19).
- Made a 10-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter at Minnesota (11/9/19).
- Hauled in a 12-yard touchdown in the first quarter in the victory over Indiana (11/16/19).
Dan Chisena, WR, 6-3, 202, Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown-East
"We are so proud of the opportunity that lies ahead for Dan," said Franklin. "He was incredibly consistent and a difference maker on our special teams and has a tremendous ability to tackle in the open field. Dan possesses world class speed, which will give him a chance to contribute to the Vikings. His team-first mentality will enable him to embrace whatever role is thrown his way. He's a coach's dream and does everything the right way. He was as dedicated to his academics as he was to football, graduating with a degree in security and risk analysis in December."
"I am really happy for Dan Chisena's opportunity with Minnesota," said Bowen. "There aren't many guys who couple the fact that they have a high ceiling with elite speed. If you watch what he did on special teams last year, this guy is going to make his team very happy and also develop into a weapon at wide receiver."
Dan Chisena Bio
- Two-Time Academic All-Big Ten selection.
- Earned the Ridge Riley Memorial Award, for sportsmanship, scholarship, leadership and friendship as a senior, along with Garrett Taylor, at the team's awards banquet.
- Also won the team's John Bruno Award as an outstanding member of special teams.
- Earned the Nittany Lion Club Academic Achievement Award, along with Blake Gillikin, for having the highest senior GPA.
- Appeared in 12 games, including two starts in 2019.
- Graduated with a degree in security & risk analysis in December 2019.
- Hauled in a 40-yard grab in the first quarter in the win over Maryland (9/27/19) for his first career reception.
- Recorded two tackles on punt coverage in the win over Michigan (10/19/19).
- Made one tackle on punt coverage and recovered a fumble on a muffed punt in the third quarter in the win at Michigan State (10/26/19).
Blake Gillikin, P, 6-2, 196, Smyrna, Ga./The Westminster Schools
"We are so happy for Blake to sign with the Saints," said Franklin. "Blake is a tremendous talent and is one of the best punters in program history. He is well respected by his teammates and coaches and was voted team captain two years in a row. He goes about his business in a methodical and professional manner. His athletic successes are only rivaled by his academic accomplishments, including a 4.0 career GPA and claiming two first-team Academic All-America honors. He capped it off by graduating this month with a degree in kinesiology. When his playing days are finished, Blake has a bright future in the medical field. We really appreciate what Blake has done for our program and are excited to see him compete on Sundays."
"I am extremely ecstatic for Blake to sign with the Saints," said special teams coordinator Joe Lorig. "Blake is not only an incredible talent on the field, as he has clearly shown during his prolific career as one of the top punters in Penn State history, but he is just as impressive of a young man off the field. I have no doubt that he will have a long and distinguished NFL career and, after his playing days are over, he will be a fantastic asset to our society as he will be able to put to use his degree in Kinesiology in the medical field. I can't wait to watch him live out his dream and play on Sundays in the NFL. I couldn't be more proud of him."
Blake Gillikin Bio
- 4.0 cumulative GPA and earned his degree this month in Kinesiology.
- Became 12th Penn State football player to be a two-time, first-team CoSIDA Academic All-American.
- Was a 2019 team captain and finished his career tied for second on Penn State's career punting average charts (43.03) and landed 53 punts downed inside the opponent's 10-yard line (seven in 2016, 18 in 2017, 12 in 2018, 15 in 2019).
- Is the only player in program history with seven punts of 65 or more yards and the only player with four 70-plus yard punts in a season or career.
- Became the second Nittany Lion to reach the 10,000-career punt yard mark, joining Jeremy Kapinos (10,476; 2003-06).
- Selected All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media in 2019.
- Claimed the Nittany Lion Club Academic Achievement Award, along with Dan Chisena, for having the highest senior GPA.
- Won the team's Public Service Award, along with Trent Gordon.
- Named a Pop Warner Award finalist.
- Tabbed as a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.
Steven Gonzalez, OL, 6-4, 341, Union City, N.J./Union City
"Steven is a special player who has come through this program," said Franklin. "He's a strong, powerful offensive lineman who's able to get movement up front and also has the ability to anchor in the pass game. Steven was a mainstay on our offensive line, playing in 50 career games and making 42 starts. He was part of a group of student-athletes who put us back on the national map. Steven is a great teammate, and we have enjoyed watching his development over the years. He is extremely deserving of this opportunity with the Cardinals. We wish him nothing but the best."
"I am thrilled for Steve and all the work he has put into getting this opportunity with the Cardinals," said Bowen. "Steve has played multiple snaps here at Penn State. He's one of the most experienced offensive linemen to ever play here. He's going to make his team very happy on the interior of their offensive line as a next level lineman."
Steven Gonzalez Bio
- Named a 2019 All-Big Ten second team selection by the coaches and media.
- Won the Lions Pride Outstanding Senior Player Award, along with John Reid and Robert Windsor, for greatest career contribution to Penn State Football, at the team's awards banquet.
- Graduated with a degree in history in December 2018.
- Made 13 starts at left guard in 2019.
- Helped the Nittany Lions to gain 673 total yards in the Idaho win (8/31/19), their third-most in a game since 1947 against Idaho
- The Nittany Lions gained 613 yards in the win at Maryland (9/27/19), its third-most in a Big Ten game.
- Helped the Nittany Lion offense to gain 460 total yards in the win over Purdue (10/5/19).
- Guided the Nittany Lion offense to 518 total yards at Minnesota (11/9/19), including 340 passing yards
- Penn State's offense score a program-bowl record 53 points in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl win over Memphis (12/28/19). The Nittany Lions gained 529 total yards, the program's second-most in a bowl game.
Jan Johnson, LB, 6-2, 231, Mohnton, Pa./Governor Mifflin
"We are incredibly happy for Jan and the opportunity he is getting with Texans," said Franklin. "Jan is the epitome of a Penn State football student-athlete. His career spanned from walk-on to Penn State wrestler on a national championship team to scout team tight end to long snapper to two-year starter at middle linebacker and team captain. He's a smart football player and has a good feel for the game. He continued to get better every year. Jan was a culture driver for our program who was always selfless and was always willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the team. He dominated in the classroom, earning a degree in psychology and a master's in management and organizational leadership. The Texans are lucky to have him, and we can't wait to follow his career."
"Jan is the ultimate middle linebacker," said defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Pry. "He's one of the most efficient players I've coached from footwork, body position, he has very good reads and he's a very smart player. He is a linebacker that knows what every position does in our defensive schemes. He has an incredible story. It is a testament to his perseverance and determination."
Jan Johnson Bio
- Named Pro Football Focus All-America honorable mention.
- Selected All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media.
- Tabbed Pro Football Focus All-Big Ten second team.
- Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
- Earned the Bob Mitinger Memorial Award, as a senior who exhibits courage, character and social responsibility, at the team's awards banquet.
- Named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy
- Team captain made 13 starts in 2019.
- Earned his degree in psychology in August 2018 and graduated with his master's degree in management and organizational leadership in May 2019.
- Sat fourth in the Big Ten and 27th in the FBS with two fumble recoveries.
- In the Buffalo win (9/7/19), set a career-high with 14 tackles, including nine in the first half.
- Earned his first career sack in the win over Pittsburgh (9/14) and forced a fumble.
- In the win at Maryland (9/27/19), secured an interception to end Maryland's opening drive and returned it 17 yards.
- Tallied a fumble recovery in the win at Iowa (10/12/19).
- Registered 11 tackles, including six solo, and made a career-high three tackles for loss at Minnesota (11/9/19).
- Posted six tackles and recovered a fumble on a muffed punt in the win over Indiana (11/16/19).
Garrett Taylor, S, 6-0, 198, Richmond, Va./Saint Christopher's
"Garrett is a smart football player, and we are excited for him to get this opportunity with the Bills," said Franklin. "He is a competitor on the field, a competitor in the weight room and a competitor in the classroom. He is the type of player who will maximize every opportunity afforded to him. Over the last two years, he has been one of the more consistent football players in our program. He was voted as a team captain as a senior. Garrett earned degrees in advertising & public relations and telecommunications. His competitive drive and constant push to improve will make him successful at the professional level and in his future endeavors."
"Garrett Taylor's positive attitude and work ethic make him a difference maker," said co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Tim Banks. "His drive and commitment will be an asset for the Bills. He loves the grind and will instantly make the guys around him better."
Garrett Taylor Bio
- Selected All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media.
- Four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
- Earned the Ridge Riley Memorial Award, for sportsmanship, scholarship, leadership and friendship as a senior, along with Dan Chisena, at the team's awards banquet.
- Won the Iron Lion Award for strength and conditioning.
- Team captain made 13 starts in 2019.
- Graduated with a degree in advertising & public relations in December 2018 and a degree in telecommunications in December 2019.
- Posted eight tackles, including two solo in the win over Buffalo (9/7/19).
- Made seven tackles, including six solo, and added a tackle for loss in the win over Pittsburgh (9/14/19).
- Registered eight tackles, including six solo, and added his first career sack in the win over Michigan (10/19/19).
- Tallied 10 tackles, including five solo, at Minnesota (11/9/19).
- Recorded a career-high 13 tackles, including six solo, and assisted on a tackle for loss at Ohio State (11/23/19).
- Notched seven tackles, including four solo, and forced a fumble in the third quarter in the win over Rutgers (11/30/19).
- Collected nine tackles, including four solo, and intercepted a pass in the third quarter and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl win over Memphis (12/28/19).
For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and reserving new season tickets for the 2020 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.