Center Nick Dawkins announced Tuesday that he will return for his sixth season at Penn State and his second season as the starting center.
The 6-4, 298-pound Dawkins anchored the offensive line, which helped the Nittany Lions lead the Big Ten with 202.3 rushing yards per game and reach the College Football Playoff semifinals.
“We had a great season this year, but there is still unfinished business,” Dawkins posted on social media. “That is why I have decided to forego the NFL draft and return to Penn State for my sixth and final season.
“We have accomplished so many great things here as a family, but I believe the best is yet to come.”
Dawkins, a Parkland High School graduate, had a medical redshirt year and a COVID year in 2020, which allowed him a sixth year of eligibility.
He will be one of four returning starters on the offensive line, along with left tackle Drew Shelton, left guard Vega Ioane and right tackles Nolan Rucci and Anthony Donkoh, who split the position. It’s possible that Donkoh will be moved to right guard to replace Sal Wormley, whose eligibility expired.
In addition to Dawkins, defensive end Smith Vilbert announced Tuesday that he’s returning to Penn State for his seventh season.
Vilbert was part of a four-man rotation this season with Abdul Carter, who’s entering the NFL draft; Dani Dennis-Sutton, who announced Monday that he’s returning in 2025; and Amin Vanover, whose eligibility has expired.
The 6-6, 282-pound Vilbert had four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Late Tuesday afternoon, reports surfaced that wide receiver Omari Evans had entered the transfer portal.
Evans had 21 catches for 415 yards (19.8 average) and five touchdowns. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
