PSU’s Dotson to return, Thorpe in transfer portal

Jahan Dotson, one of the top receivers and punt returners in the Big Ten, announced Thursday that he’s staying at Penn State to play next season.

Dotson caught 52 passes this season for a conference-leading 884 yards and eight touchdowns, which is tied for the Big Ten lead.

“I’ll be back in 2021 to give y’all the summary...Chapter 4,” Dotson tweeted.

A 5-11, 190-pound junior from Nazareth, he finished the 2020 season in spectacular fashion.

He caught six passes for a career-high 189 yards in a 56-21 rout of Illinois last month. He became the first Penn State player to make two catches of at least 70 yards in a game, scoring touchdowns on receptions of 75 and 70 yards.

He has five career touchdown catches of at least 60 yards, including four this season.

Dotson, an All-Big Ten third-team pick, had five 100-yard receiving games this season, including 144 yards and three touchdowns on eight catches in a 38-25 loss to Ohio State.

He also finished the season with a 24.6 average on punt returns, a school record.

In other Penn State news, C.J. Thorpe, who started the first four games on the offensive line this season, announced Thursday that he’s placed his name in the NCAA transfer portal.

Thorpe, who has two years of eligibility left, is seeking a school that will allow him to play on the defensive line.

“With a year (2018) of experience in college on defense as well as a playing style that is truly made for it,” he said, “I believe this is the best move for me.:

Also, former Penn State defensive tackle Judge Culpepper announced that he’s transferring to Toledo. He has three years of eligibility remaining