Former FAU punter Riley Thompson has committed to Penn State from the transfer portal. Thompson is the first player that Penn State has added from the portal in this portal cycle.
I am honoured to announce that I have committed to Penn State University.
I appreciate all the support, in particular from @ProkickAus , @JohnnyPKA and @tglees .
Thanks for the opportunity @CoachCollins46 @coachjfranklin @PennStateFball #WeAre #PennState #107kStrong pic.twitter.com/cpLzKeGEFF
— Riley Thompson (@rathompson_) December 17, 2022
Thompson (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) came to Florida Atlantic from Australia for the 2022 season as its only scholarship punter. He punted 61 times this past season averaging 45 yards per punt, with a long of 71. Thompson recorded 15 punts of over 50 yards and had 26 punts landed inside the 20.
His efforts earned him Freshman All-American Honors from the Athletic and College Football Network. Thompson replaced Matt Hayball, who moved on to Vanderbilt via the transfer portal.
What Thompson brings to Penn State is a proven player that will take the place of the departing Barney Amor, who earned All-Big-Ten Honorable Mention this past season.
Penn State has true freshman Alex Bacchetta and redshirt freshman Gabriel Nwosu coming back. Bacchetta punted four times this past season, with three of them landing inside the 20. Nwosu punted twice this season for 68 yards and was primarily used as a kickoff specialist.
Thompson has three more years of eligibility remaining, as he is the early favorite to be Penn State’s starting punter.
