Heading into this season, it was expected that Ryan Bates would serve a vital role as a veteran member of Penn State’s offensive line. However, after his redshirt junior season he decided to forego his final year with the Nittany Lions and declared himself eligible for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Bates was a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions and was a very important player up front. He dealt with some injuries over his time in Happy Valley, but was able to bounce back.
He began his collegiate career at guard for the Nittany Lions, but he was switched near the end of his freshman season to tackle.