Penn State appears to have found a transfer portal gem after scouring potential additions for weeks.
The Nittany Lions have landed a commitment from former North Carolina cornerback Storm Duck, who was a standout performer in the Atlantic Coast Conference this past season.
More Penn State transfer additions could come before or shortly after the Rose Bowl against Utah.
Duck played parts of four seasons for the Tarheels and was a leader on defense in 2022. His three interceptions and 10 pass breakups earned him All-ACC honors. He joins Penn State’s stocked cornerback room that will return potential starters in Kalen King, Johnny Dixon and Daequan Hardy.
The Lions do lose All-American Joey Porter, Jr., who may become the Nittany Lions’ first defensive back chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft this spring.
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Penn State led the nation with 94 pass breakups during the 2022 regular season and could finish with over 100, counting the Rose Bowl.
Duck stayed healthy this past fall after missing extensive time in the 2020 and ’21 seasons with injuries.
Penn State is still expected to be in pursuit of multiple transfer additions at receiver. They also are potentially looking to add transfers along the offensive and defensive lines and even at running back and linebacker.
The Lions did previously land Florida Atlantic punter Riley Thompson during the current cycle.
The Nittany Lions benefited the past couple of years from immediate impact transfers such as Dixon, defensive end Arnold Ebiketie, receiver Mitch Tinsley and offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on Twitter @YDRPennState.