Penn State Nittany Lions

Austin Johnson leaving Penn State for NFL draft

Published Jan. 3, 2016 11:53 p.m. ET

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Christian Hackenberg made the biggest headlines, but he is not the only Penn State player going to the NFL a year early. 

Austin Johnson also announced that intention Saturday after the Nittany Lions lost to Georgia in the TaxSlayer Bowl. 

"After much thought and consideration with my family, I have decided that the best decision for me is to forgo my senior season at Penn State," Johnson said in a statement from PSU. "I want to thank Nittany Nation for your support over the last three years. My love for Nittany Nation will be with me always." 

A two-year starter at nose tackle, Johnson had 78 tackles, including six sacks, this season for the Nittany Lions. 

A native of Galloway, N.J., Johnson received both his degree in journalism and second-team All-Big Ten recognition in December. 

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