Penn State defensive end Nick Tarburton has announced that he will be forgoing his final year of eligibility and will enter the NFL Draft, However, he will still be competing in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2.
Nick Tarburton has declared for the NFL Draft, per his Instagram.
He will be playing in the Rose Bowl pic.twitter.com/MUEdAq2Kb9
— Alex Rocco (@AlexRocco13_) December 18, 2022
Tarburton (6-foot-3, 258 pounds) started nine games this past season and recorded 12 tackles (9 solo), four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble and recovery.
His numbers went down because he was a part of a deep rotation that included newcomers Chop Robinson from the transfer portal, incoming freshman Dani Dennis-Sutton, and the return of Adisa Isaac from injury.
Tarburton’s most productive season came in 2021 when he recorded 30 tackles (13 solo), four tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one sack, and one fumble recovery.
Tarburton was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2018. He was the number ten player in Pennsylvania, the No. 13 inside linebacker, and the No. 270 player nationally. He converted to defensive end during his early years at Penn State.
Scouts saw the game film, and Tarburton shows that he is quick to react and locate the ball and shows the speed to close on the ball. He is quick to shoot the gap and plays with balance and control. He is versatile enough to play inside in passing situations. He is strong enough to get under the pads of an offensive lineman.
Scouts also believe Tarburton is not a long enough athlete at the next level and will struggle to shed blocks consistently at the next level unless he perfects his technique.
Tarburton still has unfinished business at Penn State as they will take on Utah in the Rose Bowl.
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