With a pair of quarterback recruits who may need a couple years before they are ready to contribute and an open starting quarterback competition, the Penn State Nittany Lions appear to be a favorite to land former Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien, according to an article by Dustin Hockensmith. O'Brien was granted an unconditional release and is free to sign with any team in the nation.
With his undergraduate requirements met at Maryland, O'Brien can transfer to any school with a graduate program and not have to sit out a year due to transfer rules. He also would have two years of eligibility remaining with the NCAA.
Other schools that appear to be interested according to the article include the Wisconsin Badgers (who had success last year with Russell Wilson), the Connecticut Huskies, and the Vanderbilt Commodores (where O'Brien's former offensive coordinator James Franklin is now head coach).
New Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien wants to make his big selling point be his experience with mentoring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Bill O'Brien is also a former protege of Danny O'Brien's former head coach Ralph Friedgen.
For more on Penn State football, check out Black Shoe Diaries. Also, check out Tuesday's SB Nation Pittsburgh feature on Penn State's quarterback situation.