In the midst of players opting out of the bowl game and declaring for the NFL draft, Penn State football received some good news Tuesday afternoon.

Safety Ji’Ayir Brown announced via Twitter that he’s returning to Penn State for the 2022 season.

“After sitting down and exploring all my options about my future with my family, I am confident with my decision to remain at Penn State alongside my brothers for another year,” Brown wrote.

“I’m grateful for my coaches, teammates, the support staff and everyone who makes up Penn State Athletics,” he continued. “I look forward to another year with you all.”

Brown’s decision to remain in Happy Valley gives the Nittany Lions’ defense a huge boost amid all the uncertainty surrounding some stars on the defensive side.

With Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks already declaring for the draft, and the futures of defensive studs like Jaquan Brisker and Arnold Ebiketie up in the air, Brown’s return will give the Nittany Lions some much needed stability on that side of the ball.

After coming to Penn State as a transfer from Lackawanna College in 2020, Brown learned behind the likes of Jaquan Brisker and Lamont Wade before stepping into a starting role this season. Starting alongside Brisker for all 12 of Penn State’s regular season games, Brown shined to the tune of 67 tackles, five passes defended, and a team-leading four interceptions.

Brown earned third-team All-Big Ten honors from the conference’s coaches and was an honorable mention by the media thanks to his breakout 2021 campaign.