Penn State cornerback Jalen Kimber has officially declared for the NFL draft. From his high school stardom to his final year as a Nittany Lion, Kimber’s path showcases the resilience and growth of a true competitor. Kimber was a four-star recruit out of Mansfield Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas and he quickly became one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in the 2020 recruiting class. Kimber committed to the University of Georgia, choosing the Bulldogs over powerhouse programs such as Alabama, LSU, and Ohio State.
Thanks for the major contributions to Penn State Football and the program, Jalen Kimber. Good luck at the next level. We Are!@VictoryBellRing https://t.co/hSyT1Vgm9q
— Stephen Conneely (@StephConn5) January 12, 2025
At Georgia, Kimber faced stiff competition in a deep secondary but showcased his potential in limited action during his freshman season in 2020. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury derailed his sophomore campaign in 2021, limiting him to just three games. Over two seasons in Athens, Kimber recorded 3 tackles in 4 total games.
Kimber transferred to the University of Florida ahead of the 2022 season, looking for a fresh start and more playing time. At Florida, he became an integral part of the Gators’ defense, appearing in all 12 games, making 11 starts. Kimber posted 23 tackles (18 solo) to go along with five pass breakups (2nd on the team), a fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry.
Kimber’s final collegiate stop was at Penn State, where he joined the Nittany Lions ahead of the 2024 season. The move paid off as Kimber emerged as one of the Big Ten’s premier cornerbacks. Over the course of his lone season at Penn State, Kimber played in 16 games, racking up 37 tackles (25 solo), and 3 pass breakups. His leadership and consistency were instrumental in Penn State’s defensive success during the 2024 season and throughout the college football playoffs.
Kimber’s diverse experience across three elite programs has prepared him well for the NFL. At 6'0" and 185 pounds, he possesses the size and speed to compete with NFL-caliber wide receivers.
As he enters the 2025 NFL Draft, Kimber leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and excellence. His journey—from a high school standout in Texas to a top tier level cornerback in college football—is a testament to his determination and talent.