Penn State trailed No. 24 Northwestern, 28-25, in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter in Beaver Stadium. On fourth-and-two from the Northwestern 19, Bill O'Brien decided against a field goal attempt and instead watched Brandon Felder make one of the most critical plays of the season with a 13-yard catch for a first down. Three plays later, the Homecoming crowd went berserk as Matt McGloin tumbled into the end zone for the eventual game-winning score in the 39-28 win. Felder began 2012 quietly with a combined three catches in four non-conference games, but when Big Ten play started he rapidly emerged as a dynamic and sure-handed option in the passing game. It was a breakout season for the swift and athletic Maryland product, as he shattered his season career-bests in every receiving category. A starter in nine games, his 50.6 yards per game average in Big Ten play ranked 10th in the conference. Felder was third on the team with 31 receptions for 437 yards (14.1) and one touchdown, a 41-yard scoring strike in the win at Purdue. He made three catches of 42 yards to re-set his career-long in three consecutive conference games -- at Iowa, against Ohio State and at Purdue. The emergence of Felder gives the Nittany Lions one of the premier receiving tandems in the conference as he and 2012 Big Ten Receiver-of-the-Year Allen Robinson return this fall. The former Oxen Hill High School standout can stretch the field, runs precise routes and is an effective downfield blocker. The efforts of the determined Felder in the strength and conditioning program has added 10 pounds to his frame, while enhancing his strength and quickness. A potential All-Big Ten candidate, he was on schedule to earn his degree in journalism in August 2013. Felder is among six returnees from metro Washington, D.C.
2012 • SENIOR SEASON
It was a breakout season for Felder, who appeared in all 12 games with nine starts. He shattered his season career-bests in every receiving category and his 50.6 yards per game average in Big Ten play ranked 10th in the conference. Felder was third on the team with 31 receptions for 437 yards (14.1) and one touchdown, a 41-yard scoring strike in the win at Purdue. After not registering a catch in the first two games, he made at least one reception in each of the final 10 games, increasing his productivity as Big Ten play commenced. Felder made three catches of 42 yards to re-set his career-long in three consecutive conference games -- at Iowa, against Ohio State and at Purdue. Felder made three catches for 37 yards in the Big Ten-opening 35-7 win at Illinois. His then-career-best five catches in the comeback win over No. 24 Northwestern included a 13-yard reception to the Wildcat six-yard line on fourth-and-two to keep the go-ahead touchdown drive alive. At Iowa, his four receptions went for 60 yards to help the Nittany Lions to a 38-14 win. His 42-yard grab on the first play from scrimmage in the second half set up a short Bill Belton touchdown run on the next play for a 31-0 lead over the Hawkeyes. He gained 70 yards on four catches against Ohio State, with another 42-yard grab. Felder delivered his finest career game in the 34-9 victory at Purdue, setting career-highs with six catches for 129 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown grab, the first of his career. He cracked 100 receiving yards for the first time in his career in the win over the Boilermakers. His one catch at No. 18 Nebraska went for 23 yards on Penn State's first possession, leading to a game-opening touchdown. Felder made four catches for 42 yards in the 45-22 win over Indiana before closing the season with one reception for 10 yards in the thrilling 24-21 overtime win against Wisconsin.
2011 • JUNIOR SEASON
Felder saw action in 10 games and stepped up in the wins over Purdue and Northwestern when Derek Moye was sidelined with a foot injury. He started in three consecutive wins over the Boilermakers, Wildcats and Illinois. Felder caught four passes for 53 yards, making his first career catch in the victory at Temple. He had his best game in the Leaders Division encounter against the Boilermakers, grabbing two passes for a career-high 40 yards. Felder caught one pass for nine yards in helping the Nittany Lions to 34 points in the win at Northwestern. He played 192 snaps, topped by 44 and 43, respectively, in the wins over the Wildcats and Illini.
2010 • SOPHOMORE SEASON
In his first season on the field, Felder played in 10 games, making three catches for 13 yards. He recorded his first career reception against Kent State, snagging a three-yard pass. Playing 20 miles from his home, Felder caught two passes in Penn State's 41-24 victory over Indiana at FedEx Field. He hauled in a pair of five-yard receptions against the Hoosiers.
2009 • FRESHMAN SEASON
Redshirt season.
HIGH SCHOOL
Felder missed his senior season at Oxon Hill High School after suffering a serious knee injury. As a junior under Coach Kevin Wolfolk, he was an all-county and honorable-mention all-met selection. He made 40 catches for just shy of 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns.
PERSONAL
Full name is Brandon Jarrod Felder. He is a journalism major in the College of Communications, who was on schedule to receive his degree in August. Born July 4, 1991.