Former Penn State running back Matt Hahn has signed with the National Football League's Oakland Raiders, who announced the signing last Friday, just prior to the team's rookie mini-camp.
Hahn joins five other Nittany Lions that played during the 2007 season that were drafted or have been signed by NFL teams. The Dix Hills, N.Y. product joins former Nittany Lion standout tight end Tony Stewart on the Raiders' roster. Stewart joined the Raiders prior to last season, his eighth in the NFL.
Hahn was a consistently productive runner, receiver and blocker for the Nittany Lions from 2004-07. In the midst of having one of the best games of his career, his senior season came to an abrupt end in the Oct. 20, 2007 game at Indiana. Hahn was gouging the Indiana defense in the high-scoring affair, setting career-highs with 43 yards on five carries. But, during a 14-yard run in the fourth quarter, Hahn suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee as he was tackled, ending his season and Penn State career. The former St. Anthony's Catholic School standout played in every game in 2007 with two starts. He gained 82 rushing yards last year on 15 carries for a strong 5.5 average, with a touchdown run against Wisconsin. Hahn also had nine receptions for 47 yards, with a touchdown catch vs. FIU.
Hahn was presented the squad's 2007 Ridge Riley Award for "sportsmanship, leadership and friendship." He is on schedule to earn his degree in recreation, park and tourism management this week.
A pair of Penn State standouts were selected in the 2008 NFL Draft, increasing to 234 the number of Nittany Lions that have been drafted under Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno. All-America linebacker Dan Connor (Wallingford) was selected by Carolina in the third round and All-Big Ten cornerback Justin King (Pittsburgh), was selected by the St. Louis Rams with the second pick of the fourth round. Wide receiver Terrell Golden (Norfolk, Va.) signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, record-setting quarterback Anthony Morelli (Pittsburgh) signed with the Arizona Cardinals and running back Austin Scott (Allentown) signed with the Cleveland Browns. In addition, running back Rodney Kinlaw (Goose Creek, S.C.) participated in the Detroit Lions' mini-camp earlier this month. More than 300 of Coach Paterno's players have signed with NFL teams.
There were 31 former Nittany Lions on NFL rosters during the 2007 season, placing Penn State in the top 15 nationally among schools in producing current NFL players. Former Nittany Lions Jay Alford and Kareem McKenzie won Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants last season.
In his 43rd season as head coach, Paterno's squad returns 16 starters (8 offense, 6 defense, 2 specialists) from last year's 9-4 squad that defeated Texas A&M in the Valero Alamo Bowl. The Nittany Lions were ranked No. 25 in the final USA Today Coaches poll, earning their 33rd Top 25 finish under Paterno. Penn State has won 31 of its last 40 games, tied for eighth-best record in the nation.