Penn State TE Theo Johnson declares for 2024 NFL draft, announces Peach Bowl decision

Penn State captain and tight end Theo Johnson is off to the NFL — after the Peach Bowl.

Johnson declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday. He also announced that he will remain with Penn State through the Peach Bowl.

“After a lot of thought and prayer, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft,” Johnson wrote in a statement posted to social media. “I cannot wait to be with my Penn State football family one last time when we compete at the Peach Bowl.”

Johnson is the second Penn State player to declare for the draft. Chop Robinson, a projected first-round edge rusher, made his decision earlier this week. He will not play in the Peach Bowl.

Johnson is leaving Penn State after a 2023 season with mixed results. He was one of Drew Allar’s favorite targets, finishing the year second on the team in receptions (32), receiving yards (325) and touchdowns (six). But some expected Johnson to be even more involved.

Johnson was a big-play threat, stretching the field with his speed and creating mismatches with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. Johnson had at least one catch of 25-plus yards in six of Penn State’s final seven games in 2022. That included a key 28-yard catch in the Rose Bowl.

After the win over Utah, Johnson — who was considering a move to the NFL — told PennLive he had “a lot more in the tank” and “a lot of growth to do to get to a player I know I’m capable of being.”

Johnson, on top of being a reliable option in the passing game, was also a vocal and emotional leader of the 2023 team. He broke down the huddle before every game, and teammates, including Allar, pointed to him throughout the season as a steady voice in the locker room.

Johnson, who is unranked in CBS Sports’ draft prospect rankings, finished his Penn State career with 75 catches for 922 yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons.