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Here’s Where the Undrafted Penn State Nittany Lions Ended up

By Alec Whitaker

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 04: Ellis Brooks #13 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts to a defensive stop during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 04: Ellis Brooks #13 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts to a defensive stop during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Penn State gunner Drew Hartlaub (37) is the first Nittany Lion down the field to cover a punt return by Auburn’s Demetris Robertson (0) in the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in State College. Robertson signaled and completed a fair catch.Hes Dr 091821 Pennstate 51
Penn State gunner Drew Hartlaub (37) is the first Nittany Lion down the field to cover a punt return by Auburn’s Demetris Robertson (0) in the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in State College. Robertson signaled and completed a fair catch.Hes Dr 091821 Pennstate 51 /

Drew Hartlaub to the Panthers

Another Nittany Lion, Drew Hartlaub, was picked up by the Carolina Panthers as well.

The former walk-on made a nice career for himself as a special teams ace at Penn State. What made him so successful at his job as a gunner on punts and on kickoff coverage was his elite speed. At Penn State’s pro day, Hartlaub was clocked running a 4.22 40-yard dash time.

That speed will keep Hartlaub around the league for a while.

Considering NFL rosters only have 53 spots on gameday, Hartlaub will have to prove he can hold his own at the safety position, in addition to being an elite special teamer. Regardless, teams have started to put a greater emphasis on special teams lately, and that will benefit Hartlaub.

Penn State now has a healthy number of connections to the Panthers with Hartlaub, Smith, Lovett, Rhule and Yetur Gross-Matos.

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