Austin Johnson Declares for 2016 NFL Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson has declared for the NFL draft, according to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.

Johnson, a redshirt junior, had the best year of his college career in 2015, recording 70 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He also had 13 tackles for loss.

The 6'3", 325-pounder is the sixth-best defensive tackle on CBS Sports' list of draft prospects and is also projected to be the first defensive tackle taken in the second round.

Johnson had this to say after the game, per Jeff Rice of 247Sports:

"

I just want to thank the coaches, Coach Spence (Sean Spencer), Coach (James) Franklin and all those guys for supporting me and pushing me and just trying to strive to be my best. I can’t repay those guys enough. I also want to thank Coach (Joe) Paterno and their staff for giving me an offer and Coach (Bill) O’Brien for pretty much being a rock to this place. It’s just been an honor to play with those guys and go through so many trials and tribulations with them.

"

He became the second Penn State star to announce his intentions of going pro. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg, who could be one of the top quarterbacks taken in 2016, will join him in the draft.

Audrey Snyder of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provided a small clip of Johnson meeting with reporters after Penn State's 24-17 loss to Georgia in the Taxslayer Bowl:

"I was trying not to cry, not to tear up,” he said, per Scout's Mark Brennan. "But, just saying good bye to all those guys (was difficult)."

Johnson is one of the more unique defensive tackle prospects in the upcoming draft. He's capable of being a pass-rushing nose tackle in a 4-3 scheme as his 5.5 sacks show. But his massive frame gives him the flexibility to play defensive tackle in a 3-4 scheme as well.

Nevertheless, his strength and versatility to get into the backfield will be a welcome addition to any team that's lacking a presence in the middle. If Johnson has a good combine, he could be a late-first-round pick who could turn into a difference-maker for a playoff team.