As he did Thursday night when Jahan Dotson went to the Washington Commanders in the first round (16th overall), Penn State coach James Franklin wrote a statement congratulating Arnold Ebiketie for his selection to the Atlanta Falcons.
“We are extremely happy for AK to have earned this opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons,” Franklin wrote. “When people talk about player development, AK is one of the first guys that comes to mind.”
Ebiketie’s meteoric rise in his lone season at Penn State has culminated with his selection to the Atlanta Falcons in the second round (38th pick overall) of the 2022 NFL draft. As he did Thursday night when Jahan Dotson went to the Washington Commanders in the first round (16th overall), Penn State coach James Franklin issued a statement congratulating Arnold Ebiketie for his selection to the Atlanta Falcons.
Ebiketie— who grew up in Cameroon before coming to the United States with his family at age 13– came to Penn State after four seasons with Temple University’s football program. In his lone season in the Big Ten, he became one of the conferences best defensive players, finishing second in sacks and tackles for loss and warning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Franklin credits Ebiketie’s attitude and ability for his breakout season in 2021.
“He arrived in Happy Valley as a talented player with college experience; however, his willingness to buy into our system really took his game to the next level,” Franklin wrote. “AK has an infectious personality and embodies our program’s core values. He always has a huge smile on his face and his positive attitude impacts our locker room on a daily basis.”
Franklin and his staff were grateful for the year then had getting to coach and work with Ebiketie, and Franklin is excited for what comes next.
”AK earned the respect of our staff and his teammates quickly through his maturity level and work ethic,” Franklin wrote, “which is something I expect will translate well at the next level. I am very excited to watch AK’s continued success for years to come with the Falcons.”
