As a few of his teammates announce plans to move on, Penn State safety Jonathan Sutherland says he’s sticking around for his sixth season in 2022.
“I can’t begin to explain how blessed I’ve been to be able to play football at Penn State for the past five years,” Sutherland wrote in a statement. “The memories I have made with my teammates and throughout my time here will last a lifetime and I look forward to making more.”
A defensive captain and special teams leader who has also spent time at linebacker, Sutherland recorded 19 tackles and an interception in 2021. He signed concluded his statement on Thursday with #LBU, suggesting he might be making a more permanent move to the outside linebacker position.
He is the second Nittany Lion to announce he will return for a sixth year, joining starting quarterback Sean Clifford. The first three-time captains in program history, they both have the opportunity to earn the designation for a fourth time next season.
The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to athletes in 2020-21 in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sutherland’s decision comes just days after fellow safety Ji’Ayir Brown announced his 2022 return as well. That veteran presence is certainly a positive for new coordinator Manny Diaz’s first Penn State defense, which will already be missing starting linebackers Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks, who declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Prior to this past season, Sutherland was the first Nittany Lion to ever don No. 0 after the NCAA changed its uniform regulations. It’s an honor that “represents all of us and drives our culture,” according to Penn State. “He is a tough, dependable, disciplined, physical leader who inspires teammates with his accountability and production.”
StateCollege.com’s Geoff Rushton contributed to this story.
