ALTOONA, Pa. -- Punter didn't seem to be a position of need for Penn State next year, but when the transfer portal comes calling with an opportunity, it's best not to overlook it.
The Nittany Lions added an intriguing piece out of the portal Saturday with the commitment of Austrailian kicker Riley Thompson, who is coming off a terrific season for Florida Atlantic. He will be on scholarship for Penn State.
I am honoured to announce that I have committed to Penn State University.
— Riley Thompson (@rathompson_) December 17, 2022
I appreciate all the support, in particular from @ProkickAus , @JohnnyPKA and @tglees .
Thanks for the opportunity @CoachCollins46 @coachjfranklin @PennStateFball #WeAre #PennState #107kStrong pic.twitter.com/cpLzKeGEFF
Thompson was named Freshman All-American this year by The Athletic and College Football News after averaging 45.4 yards per punt for Florida Atlantic. He had a long of 71 yards and had 15 punts over 50 yards.
Even though he was listed as a freshman this year, Thompson has only one year of eligibility remaining, per multiple published reports. OK, so why would that be? Well, he's from Australia, and according to Jon Sauber from the Centre Daily Times, his college eligibility clock began while he was kicking in his home country.
Hopefully we can get some more clarity on Thompson's situation, since it was originally believed that he had three years of eligibility remaining.
Regardless, he would almost certainly step right in and be Penn State's starting punter next season.
Barney Amor is the Lions' starting punter this year, and freshman Alex Bacchetta is the backup. It was believed that Bacchetta, who averaged 41 yards on three punts, would assume the starting job next year.
However, when someone as good as Thompson comes along in the portal, Penn State's coaches must have felt they couldn't bypass him.
Thompson is the first addition from the transfer portal for Penn State during this cycle. He will not be the last.