Penn State Football’s Lamont Wade declares for 2021 NFL Draft

Penn State Football defensive back Lamont Wade became the latest Nittany Lion to officially declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, announcing his decision Thursday evening

Penn State Football defensive back Lamont Wade officially declared for the 2021 NFL Draft Thursday evening, becoming the latest Nittany Lion to forego his final year of eligibility and turn pro.

Wade joins teammates Jayson Oweh, Pat Freiermuth, and Shaka Toney, and offensive linemen Will Fries and Michael Menet as draft eligible Nittay Lions who have declared. Linebacker Micah Parsons, of course, opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the NFL Draft and has a chance to be the first defensive player chosen.

In four seasons in Happy Valley, Wade produced 152 total tackles, one interception, nine pass breakups, three sacks, and four forced fumbles.

For the first time in his career, Wade was named a captain by head coach James Franklin this season.

"“I just see his approach to everything, the attention to detail, is on a completely different level and his alignment with the coaches and reinforcing messages and being a leader for the young guys,” Franklin said prior to the season kicking off in October. “I think that’s Lamont naturally growing up in our program as a senior.”"

A former five-star recruit at cornerback, Wade moved to safety following his freshman season and a brief stint in the transfer portal.

While Wade’s 2020 campaign was an inconsistent one, the true senior capped his collegiate career by returning a kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown in the Nittany Lions’ season finale against Illinois.

Some scouts around the NFL believe that Wade has a chance to come off the board in the fourth round.