Penn State's All-Big Ten defensive end Gross-Matos declares for NFL Draft

Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons and junior defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos earned first-team all-Big Ten honors Tuesday in voting by conference football coaches and a media panel.

Gross-Matos also announced he would skip his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

Parsons was named conference linebacker of the year after leading Penn State with 95 tackles.

Penn State lineman Shaka Toney earned second-team all-conference honors, and lineman Robert Windsor and linebacker Cam Brown were third-team selections.

Gross-Matos is fifth in the Big Ten in sacks with 8.5 and seventh in tackles for loss with 14.

“First, I would like to thank all of my coaches, the football staff, the academic support folks and my athletic trainers for all they have done to help me succeed while at Penn State,” Gross-Matos said in a statement. “I will always be grateful to have formed the amazing relationships here at Penn State with my classmates, teammates, and staff that will last me a lifetime.”

“I am so appreciative of Coach Franklin and Coach Spencer for the opportunity to come to an outstanding university like Penn State. I am so appreciative of Coach Franklin and Coach Spencer for the opportunity to come to an outstanding university like Penn State. Even though I am leaving, I have promised my family and Coach Franklin that I will continue to pursue my Penn State degree.

“I would like to thank my family for everything they have done and everything they continue to do each and every day, for without their support none of this would be possible.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the Penn State fans. The love in Beaver Stadium has been ridiculous and will never be forgotten. I look forward to suiting up for the Blue & White one final time in our bowl game.”

“Yetur has grown so much as a football player, leader and young man during his time at Penn State,” coach James Franklin said in a statement. “He has been a shining example of resiliency for his teammates and our staff for the way he has handled adversity in his life. We couldn’t be more proud of him and appreciate everything he has done for our program. We wish him nothing but the best in the NFL!”

Parsons is the first sophomore to win the honor.

Gross-Matos leads the team and is No.5 in the Big Ten in sacks (8.5). He also Leads the team and is No. 7 in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (14.0).