STATE COLLEGE, Pa., April 29, 2003 - Former Penn State guard Tyler Lenda has signed with the National Football League's Denver Broncos. Lenda's signing brings the number of 2002 Penn State seniors who were drafted or signed to eight.

A native of Camp Hill, Pa., Lenda started 23 of 24 games the past two seasons for the Nittany Lions. An honorable-mention All-Big Ten choice in 2002, Lenda was recognized for his efforts with his selection as co-winner of Richard Maginnis Memorial Award, presented to the squad's top offensive lineman, after last season.

The 6-2, 289-pound Lenda was instrumental in the Nittany Lions boasting just the ninth runner - Larry Johnson - in NCAA Division I-A history to gain 2,000 yards in a season. Lenda helped Penn State lead the Big Ten (10th in nation) in rushing at 228.6 ypg, rank second in the conference in scoring (13th in nation) at 34.3 ppg and rank fourth in the Big Ten in total offense (14th in nation) at 423.7 ypg. The Lions also were second in the conference in fewest sacks allowed. Lenda was instrumental in Penn State rushing for 275 yards or more six times during the regular season and gaining more than 475 yards in total offense seven times.

Lenda began his collegiate career as a defensive end during his redshirt season. During spring practice in 1999, he was moved to tight end and played in every game. The following spring, the former Cedar Cliff High School All-American was moved to guard and he captured the Red Worrell Award, given to the offense's most improved player. Lenda's father, Ed, lettered for the Nittany Lions as an offensive and defensive tackle in 1965 and '66, and won the Worrell Award in 1965, making the Lendas the first father-son combination to win the award.

Tyler Lenda earned his degree in History last August.

He is the lone former Nittany Lion on Denver's roster.

Penn State had six players selected in the NFL Draft, with all six in the first two rounds, the most of any school. The Nittany Lions had a school record four players taken in the first round of the draft, tied with Miami (Fla.) for the most of any school.

The Nittany Lions' contingent was led by All-America defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (Yonkers, N.Y.), who was the No. 12 overall selection by the St. Louis Rams. Two more Lions were quickly selected, as the Chicago Bears chose All-America defensive end Michael Haynes (Columbus, N.J.) with the No. 14 choice. All-Big Ten wide receiver Bryant Johnson (Baltimore) then went to the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 17 pick.

All-America tailback Larry Johnson (State College) completed Penn State's record setting first round when he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the No. 27 spot. Johnson won the Maxwell and Walter Camp Player of the Year Awards and the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back last fall.

In the second round, safety Bryan Scott (Warrington) was selected by the Atlanta Falcons and two picks later, defensive tackle Anthony Adams (Detroit) was chosen by the San Francisco 49ers as the No. 57 overall selection in the draft.

Center Joe Iorio has signed with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. Other former Nittany Lions are expected to sign free agent contracts in the next few days.