Hamler announces choice to forgo remaining eligibility to pursue NFL dreams
K.J. Hamler made it official Tuesday evening.
Announcing his decision via Twitter, the Nittany Lions' redshirt sophomore receiver wrote that he'll forgo his final two seasons of eligibility at Penn State to pursue his NFL aspirations.
The statement reads, in full:
"After much prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to pursue my liflong dream of playing in the NFL. I will forgo my final 2 seasons at Penn State and enter the 2020 NFL Draft. The past 3 years at Penn State have been nothing short of amazing. My time here has been an unforgettable experience and has prepared me for this next chapter in my life. For that, I will forever be grateful.
"I would like to thank God for blessing me with the ability to be able to play the game I love so much. Much love to my mom and dad, the best parents in the world. My entire family and extended family for their unwavering support.
"I would like to thank Coach Franklin for recruiting and believing in me, and the entire coaching staff and training staff for taking care of me. A special thanks to Coach Parker for being more than just a coach. He has become my biggest mentor and father away from home. I am forever grateful for the way you supported me. Thanks to Coach Seider, we share a bond that started way before PSU. I truly appreciate you!
"To my brothers on the field, thank you for always having my back, both on and off the field. Continue to ball out!
"Last, but certainly not least, thank you to best fans in college football… 107k strong and proud. We are… Penn State!!!
"I will forever be a Nittany Lion!"
K.J. Hamler
Wide Receiver
Hamler caught at least one pass in each of his 26 games as a Nittany Lion, including his two receptions for 46 yards in Penn State's 53-39 Cotton Bowl win in Dallas on Saturday.
In each of his two seasons of action with the Nittany Lions, Hamler led the Nittany Lions in receptions and receiving yards, reeling in 42 receptions for 754 yards and five touchdowns in his 2018 debut then following it with 56 receptions for 904 yards and eight touchdowns this past season.
He added 1,036 yards in kickoff returns and another 222 yards in punt returns to his totals the past two seasons.