Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker is off to the NFL after hearing his name called on Friday, selected No. 48 overall by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the NFL Draft. Brisker is the first Penn State safety drafted since Nick Scott went in the seventh round in 2019, he is the highest drafted Penn State safety since Calvin Lowery went in the fourth round of the 2006 draft.
“The Chicago Bears just drafted a tremendous athlete and leader in Jaquan Brisker, who will make an immediate impact on their organization,” said Penn State head coach James Franklin. “He is a ball hawk who puts himself in position to consistently make big plays through his preparation, toughness, and the physical nature he brings to the secondary. Graduating from Penn State was also very important to Jaquan, and I couldn’t be prouder of him for completing his degree in communication arts and sciences. I am happy for all he has accomplished since joining our program and I know his NFL future is very bright.”
A product of Lackawanna Community College prior to arriving at Penn State, Brisker made appearances in 34 career games at Penn State, making 21 starts. He recorded 153 tackles (86 solo), 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 14 pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Brisker made the most of his decision to return to State College following the 2020-21 season, turning in a 64-tackle performance in 2021-22 and watching his stock rise in the process. Brisker leaves Penn State among the more successful safeties in program history and more than a few noteworthy plays along the way include key pass breakups against both Wisconsin and Auburn in winning efforts.
“I couldn’t be happier for Jaquan getting this opportunity with the Chicago Bears,” said Penn State co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Anthony Poindexter. “Jaquan is a great athlete with great vision and toughness. His game will really translate to the next level because of all the physical athletic traits he has. The Bears are getting a guy who loves the game, studies the game and is a heck of a football player. They are also getting a heck of a person in Jaquan, as he is just a really good kid who is very respectful and works hard. Jaquan has always wanted to get it done for his team and his teammates, which is awesome to see as a coach. I am excited to see all these positive traits Jaquan possess translate to Sundays in the NFL.”
Brisker is the latest Nittany Lion to go off the board following in the footsteps of receiver Jahan Dotson who was selected No. 16 overall by the Washington Commanders in the first round of the draft on Thursday night.
