Penn State S Kevin Winston Jr. declares for draft

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FILE PHOTO: Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions safety Kevin Winston Jr. (21) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

FILE PHOTO: Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions safety Kevin Winston Jr. (21) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

REUTERS

Penn State captain and All-Big Ten safety Kevin Winston Jr. declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.

Winston's 2024 junior season ended in early September due to an undisclosed injury.

ESPN reported Thursday that Winston sustained a partially torn ACL in practice. His surgery was performed by Dallas Cowboys team physician Dr. Dan Cooper and he is on pace to be cleared for on-field drills by March 1, per the report.

"After much thought and prayer, I'm excited to announce that I'll be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft," he posted on social media. "This has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and I'm ready to embrace this next challenge with the same dedication and heart that got me to this point."

The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Winston recorded 12 tackles and a forced fumble in Penn State's season-opening 34-12 win at West Virginia on Aug. 31.

Over three seasons with the Nittany Lions, he tallied 90 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries in 28 games. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2023.

--Field Level Media REUTERS

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