Safety Ji'Ayir Brown Named Penn State's MVP

Penn State on Sunday named safety Ji'Ayir Brown as its 2022 MVP, one of many awards the program announced at its annual banquet.

Brown, a third-team all-Big Ten selection, is a captain and two-year starter, leading a defense that leads the nation in pass breakups and ranks second in pass efficiency. He is among 10 Lions to earn all-Big Ten honors.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was named defensive MVP, and freshman backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen shared the offensive MVP award.

Here are Penn State's 2022 award-winners, presented at the State College Quarterback Club's annual event:

Team MVP: Ji'Ayir Brown

Offensive MVP: Kaytron Allen, Nicholas Singleton

Defensive MVP: Joey Porter Jr.

Lions Pride Outstanding Senior Player Award: Sean Clifford, PJ Mustipher, Nick Tarburton

Quarterback Club Award: Sebastian Costantini, Alex Furmanek, Charlie Katshir, Grayson Kline, Jake Pinegar, Cody Romano, Jaden Seider, Marquis Wilson

Keystone Award: Abdul Carter, Kalen King, Juice Scruggs

Captain's Award: Ji'Ayir Brown, Sean Clifford, PJ Mustipher, Juice Scruggs, Chris Stoll, Jonathan Sutherland

Public Service Award: Dvon Ellies

Developmental Squad Special Teams Player of the Year: Jan Mahlert

Developmental Squad Defensive Players of the Year: Keon Wylie, Jake Wilson

Developmental Squad Offensive Players of the Year: Jim Fitzgerald, Jan Mahlert

Outstanding Run-On Award: Dominic DeLuca, Tank Smith

Dick Maginnis Memorial Award (Outstanding offensive lineman): Olu Fashanu

Reid Robinson Award (Outstanding defensive linemen): Adisa Isaac, Chop Robinson

Iron Lion (strength and conditioning award): Ji'Ayir Brown

Tim Shaw Thrive Award (Player who overcame adversity and inspired): Bryce Effner, PJ Mustipher

Bob Mitinger Memorial Award (Ultimate teammate): Brenton Strange, Curtis Jacobs

Ridge Riley Memorial Award (Core Values Award): Juice Scruggs, Jonathan Sutherland, Mitchell Tinsley

Highest GPA: Jan Mahlert

Nittany Lion Club Award (Senior with highest GPA): Barney Amor

John Bruno Memorial Award (Outstanding Special Teams): Malick Meiga

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AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.

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