Longtime Penn State cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields was taken by the San Fransico 49ers on Saturday afternoon with the final pick in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
Castro-Fields made appearances in 52 career games while at Penn State, making 30 starts at cornerback. By the end of his career he recorded 138 tackles (93 solo), 10 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 25 pass breakups and a forced fumble.
“We are excited for Tariq to continue his football career with the 49ers,” said Penn State coach James Franklin. “I am confident Tariq will make a seamless transition into the NFL and bring with him a veteran presence few rookies possess. Tariq played in 52 career games for us at Penn State over the past five years, starting 30 of them. He has triumphed in the face of adversity after missing the bulk of the 2020 season due to injury and came back even stronger for his final season. Tariq’s work ethic was not just limited to football, as he earned his degree in sociology. I am excited for Tariq’s future at the next level and wish him continued success for many years to come.”
Castro-Fields battled injuries throughout the course of his career by still managed to be named All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media following the 2021 season. Following his final year in State College, Castro-Fields accepted an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Penn State has now had five players taken so far during the three-day NFL Draft. Receiver Jahan Dotson led the way going No. 16 in the first round on Thursday while Brandon Smith, Jordan Stout, Arnold Ebiketie, and Jaquan Brisker have all heard their names called over the course of Friday and Saturday.
