Penn State's Chris Godwin grabs early shot at NFL

A few days after the greatest Penn State receiving effort in bowl game history, Chris Godwin announced he is leaving early for the NFL.

Actually, neither his Rose Bowl success nor his decision to turn pro were unexpected.

He also is the second Nittany Lion in as many days to announce his early departure for the NFL, following redshirt junior defensive end Garrett Sickels.

For Godwin, his performance in the Rose Bowl loss to USC put an exclamation point on one of the great Lion receiving careers — alongside Kenny Jackson, O.J. McDuffie, Bobby Engram and Allen Robinson.

Godwin heated up during the second half of Penn State's nine-game winning streak. He made 59 catches for 982 yards this fall with a Penn State junior-record 11 touchdowns.

Some of his finest moments have come in bowl games, with three straight 100-yard performances. His stunning day against USC set school records for receptions (nine), receiving yards (187) and touchdowns (two) in a bowl. His 187 yards rank fourth in Rose Bowl history.

The highlights included a diving, juggling catch in the end zone, a one-handed grab on third down and a tipped, spinning 72-yard catch-and-run score.

Overall, he owns the Penn State career bowl record for receptions (22), receiving yards (460) and touchdowns (three).

He now leaves ranked fourth on the school career receiving yardage list with 2,404 yards and 18 touchdowns and seventh with 153 receptions. He's only the third player ever at Penn State with 1,000 receiving yards in a season, joining Engram and Robinson.

Though not blessed with top-gear speed, he consistently made the routine as well as highlight catches and developed into a standout blocker and team leader. There didn't appear to be much more Godwin could accomplish, personally, with another year of college. 

He announced his decision on Twitter, saying this, in part: 

"I don't know if words can fully express my gratitude to everyone that played a role in me getting to this point. The success I've had is a direct result of my association with the teams and supporting staff that I've had. From Middletown High School to Penn State, I have made relationships that will last a lifetime. Those closest to me know the impact this has had on my growth. The special bond with this team is something I'll hold forever."

This season, the Delaware native earned All-Big Ten third-team honors from the media and honorable mention accolades from the coaches. He was an All-Big Ten second-team pick last year.