Penn State Defensive Back, State College Native Keaton Ellis Returning to Nittany Lions for 2023 Season

Penn State football is bringing back yet another familiar face in 2023.

Defensive back and State College native Keaton Ellis announced Friday on Instagram he will return for his fifth season in the blue and white. Ellis stepped into a full-time starting role at safety for the Nittany Lions in 2022.

“Job’s not finished,” he wrote.

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In his four seasons in Happy Valley, Ellis has appeared in 34 games, recording 68 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception. To fit the needs of the Nittany Lions’ defense, Ellis converted from cornerback to safety.

Serving as the team’s starting safety, Ellis saw his best season to date in 2022. With his increased responsibilities, Ellis racked up 24 tackles and seven pass defenses.

Ellis’ decision marks another example of James Franklin retaining a potential future NFL prospect. Ellis joins veteran linebacker Curtis Jacobs and defensive lineman Adisa Isaac, who announced their returns earlier in January.

Penn State’s defensive back corps will already have to weather the departure of projected first-round NFL Draft pick Joey Porter Jr. and 2022 team MVP Ji’Ayir Brown, who played pivotal roles in coordinator Manny Diaz’s vision. Expected to join Ellis in the safety room in 2023 are redshirt freshman Zakee Wheatley and sophomore Jaylen Reed, as well as recent signees Elliot Washington, King Mack, and DaKaari Nelson.