Paul Jones leaves Penn State football 'for personal reasons'

Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Paul Jones has left the football program due to personal reasons, head coach Bill O'Brien has announced Thursday. The news confirms a StateCollege.com's story earlier in the day that reported the redshirt junior, who was a former five-star quarterback recruit, was unhappy with his role with the team.

Jones (6'3, 258) was being used as the Nittany Lions' "F" tight end, where he had caught just two passes in two games. Entering the season, Jones was expected to compete for Penn State's starting quarterback job after sitting out last season because of academic issues.

However, Jones lost the job to current starting quarterback Matt McGloin and was surpassed on the depth chart by freshman quarterback Steven Bench. Jones was moved to tight end prior to Penn State's game against the Virginia Cavaliers, Sept. 8.

Jones' status with the football team has been in limbo for the past few days, as he did not attend Tuesday's practice.

Paul Jones on Penn State status: 'I don't know'

A report Wednesday morning indicated that quarterback/tight end Paul Jones was no longer with the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. Jones was reached on campus Wednesday afternoon by The Daily Collegian and said he didn't know where he stood regarding his place on the team.

Starting quarterback Matt McGloin said that Jones was not at practice on Tuesday, and wasn't aware of Jones' status with the team and coaching staff.

"Whether he comes back or whether he decides to leave, I wish him the best of luck," McGloin said.

Jones arrived in State College two years ago with a lot of hype, but academic issues prevented him from competing right away. After losing the battle for the starting quarterback job to McGloin in the spring, Jones had been moved to tight end by the coaching staff to better use his athleticism. He made his debut at tight end against Navy, catching one pass for 7 yards, but did not record a catch the next week against Temple.

Penn State football: Paul Jones may be leaving team

Quarterback turned tight end Paul Jones could be leaving the Penn State football program.