Update, May 1: Derrick Tangelo is officially an NFL defensive lineman.

Penn State football announced Saturday night that Tangelo is heading to Atlanta to play for the Falcons. In a statement, James Franklin spoke highly of Tangelo’s character and on-field presence.

“We are really excited to see Derrick get this opportunity with the Falcons. Derrick has an infectious personality which made him an instantaneous hit with his teammates and will make him the perfect fit for any NFL locker room,” Franklin said. “I know Derrick will continue to have success and I am excited to see what the future holds for him as he progresses in his NFL career.”

@CoachJFranklin pic.twitter.com/r73eblAcEv

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) May 1, 2022

Original Story: After a successful season in Happy Valley, Derrick Tangelo is reportedly heading down south after being signed by the Atlanta Falcons in the undrafted free agent market, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Former Penn State DT Derrick Tangelo is signing with the #Falcons on a deal that includes $55,000 guaranteed, per his agents @NessMugrabi and @davidcanter

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2022

Tangelo spent just one season with the Nittany Lions, but it was generally considered a successful one, as he registered 29 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries.

Beaver Stadium is a ZOO! pic.twitter.com/TpO3G72fvQ

— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 19, 2021

Before transferring to Penn State following the 2020 season, Tangelo spent four seasons with Duke. The Gaithersburg, Maryland native racked up 114 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in 45 career games as a Blue Devil.

Tangelo will now join the likes of Arnold Ebiketie, who was taken in the second round of the draft, in Atlanta.