The Penn State Nittany Lions picked up a big-time player in the transfer portal when cornerback Storm Duck announced his commitment just before the New Year. Duck, a four-year starter in Chapel Hill, has elite coverage skills and should play a pivotal role for Penn State in 2023.
Storm Duck Immediately Bolsters Penn State’s Defense
Over the past four seasons, Duck has anchored the North Carolina secondary. He recorded five career interceptions, including a pick-six in his true freshman season. He also has 18 pass breakups to his credit over four seasons and racked up a career-high 10 in 2022 alone.
Duck possesses a terrific set of coverage skills and benefitted from former NFL CB Drè Bly as his position coach during his time at North Carolina.
Perhaps underrated aspects of his game, however, are his run-defense skills and overall tackling ability. He was never overmatched and chipped in willingly off the edge with several highlight-reel run stops during his time with the Tarheels.
MORE: CFN NCAA Transfer Portal Tracker
A grad transfer, Duck entered the portal on December 8 and became one of the top defensive prospects available this cycle. After 20 days in the portal, Duck announced his commitment to Penn State with a simple “Committed” graphic on social media.
For Penn State, Duck’s commitment gives them a potential replacement for Joey Porter Jr. Duck adds leadership and a veteran skill set to a Nittany Lions secondary that loses Porter, Keaton Ellis, and Ji’Ayir Brown to the NFL this offseason.
Kalen King has shown a ton of promise, and with Duck and King anchoring the outside for Penn State, the secondary is seemingly in good hands.
Duck Quick Facts:
- Class: Graduate
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 200
- Career tackles: 103
- Career INT: 5
- Career PBU: 18
