SB Nation Pittsburgh - Penn State Recruiting: Eugene Lewis Sticking With Nittany Lionshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2012-08-07T21:34:53-04:00http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/rss/stream/29385542012-08-07T21:34:53-04:002012-08-07T21:34:53-04:00Penn State Recruiting: Dorian Johnson Decommits, According To Report
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<p>Penn State lost another big recruit on Tuesday night as reports surfaced that 2013 offensive tackle prospect Dorian Johnson had decommitted from the Nittany Lions. Johnson was a key four-star recruit expected to anchor the offensive front for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Bill O'Brien's</a> once burgeoning 2013 class. <a href="http://twitter.com/jsellew10/status/233005226385350658" target="_blank">Jeremy Sellew of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review first spread the news on Twitter</a>:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/pantherlair"><s>@</s><b>pantherlair</b></a>Belle Vernon Area's Dorian Johnson announces decommitment from Penn State. Pitt back in running along with Ohio St. and VaTech</p>
— Jeremy Sellew (@jsellew10) <a data-datetime="2012-08-08T01:02:29+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/jsellew10/status/233005226385350658">August 8, 2012</a>
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<p><a href="http://twitter.com/ScottBrown_Trib/status/233007541683118081">As the Trib's Scott Brown noted</a>, Pitt could emerge as the likely landing spot for the Belle Vernon product. The Panthers' offensive coordinator, Joe Rudolph, is a Belle Vernon alum and will continue to work that angle with Johnson. Pitt was originally in Johnson's top two with the Nittany Lions before he made his initial commitment to PSU at the end of June.</p>
<p><i>For more on Penn State athletics, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. For more on everything surrounding the Penn State scandal, stick with our <a target="_blank" href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/12/3155520/freeh-report-joe-paterno-penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky">StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/8/7/3226956/penn-state-recruiting-dorian-johnson-de-commits-according-to-reportBrendan Porath2012-08-03T21:28:32-04:002012-08-03T21:28:32-04:00Akeel Lynch, Mike Hull, And Curtis Dukes Will Stay At Penn State
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<p>Three key contributors reaffirmed their commitment to Penn State's football program on Friday night in a nice boost for coach Bill O'Brien. Touted freshman Akeel Lynch figures to play a role in the PSU backfield with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a> now at USC. Lynch was considering a potential switch within the conference to Kirk Ferentz and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/iowa-hawkeyes">Iowa Hawkeyes</a>, but he sent out a tweet saying he'll be donning a PSU uniform this fall. Via <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/ALynch_22/status/231551080020979712">@ALynch_22</a>:</p>
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<p>I will be wearing #22 in Blue&White jersey come Sept. 1st <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23WeStillAre"><s>#</s><b>WeStillAre</b></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23PennState"><s>#</s><b>PennState</b></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Sorryforthewait"><s>#</s><b>Sorryforthewait</b></a></p>
— Akeel Lynch (@ALynch_22) <a data-datetime="2012-08-04T00:44:14+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/ALynch_22/status/231551080020979712">August 4, 2012</a>
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<p>Along with Lynch, senior <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85925/curtis-dukes">Curtis Dukes</a> is expected to get time in the backfield to make up for Redd's departure. Dukes was <a href="http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2012/08/penn_state_football_wide_recei_1.html" target="_blank">considering a transfer to Syracuse</a> but he also <a href="http://orangefizz.net/2012/08/penn-state-rb-curtis-dukes-tells-fizz-hes-staying-will-not-transfer-to-su/" target="_blank">confirmed to OrangeFizz.net</a> that he will be staying in Happy Valley. Lastly, outside linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114116/mike-hull">Mike Hull</a> also <a href="http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2012/08/penn_state_football_wide_recei_1.html" target="_blank">decided against a transfer to Pitt </a>in favor of staying on board with the Nittany Lions.</p>
<p><i>For more on Penn State athletics, head over to <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/" target="_blank">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. For more on everything surrounding the Penn State scandal, stick with our <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/12/3155520/freeh-report-joe-paterno-penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky" target="_blank">StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/8/3/3218885/akeel-lynch-mike-hull-curtis-dukes-penn-state-transfersBrendan Porath2012-08-01T10:24:43-04:002012-08-01T10:24:43-04:00Penn State Recruiting: Incoming Freshman DT Jamil Pollard Will Transfer To Rutgers
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<p>A day after losing running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a>, the Penn State football program watched another player walk away from the school. Incoming freshman defensive tackle Jamil Pollard will play for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a> rather than the Nittany Lions, <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8221295/report-west-deptford-nj-football-star-jamil-pollard-goes-penn-state-picks-rutgers">reports ESPN</a>. </p>
<p>Pollard, who hails from New Jersey, had several offers on the table for his services. His former high school coach Clyde Folsom made the announcement regarding his former player. </p>
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<p>"I just felt like part of him wanted to be at Rutgers from the very beginning," Folsom said. "And I just felt like this may have been an opportunity to make the move, and he did.</p>
<p>"I don't know if it was any of the sanctions against Penn State or if it was just an opportunity, or a combination of everything."</p>
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<p>Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN, Pollard committed to Penn State as a junior, but had his scholarship revoked because of his grades. </p>
<p>SB Nation's college football hub is <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/8/1/3212494/penn-state-football-roster-players-leaving" target="_blank">tracking the players leaving Penn State</a>. </p>
<p><i>For more on Penn State athletics, head over to <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/" target="_blank">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. For more on everything surrounding the Penn State scandal and sanctions, stick with our <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/12/3155520/freeh-report-joe-paterno-penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky" target="_blank">StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/8/1/3212623/penn-state-recruiting-jamil-pollard-rutgersRyan Van Bibber2012-07-31T20:57:30-04:002012-07-31T20:57:30-04:00Silas Redd Issues Statement On Transfer To USC
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<p>Former Penn State running back Silas Redd issued a lengthy text statement surrounding the announcement of his intent to transfer to USC. The star running back indicated how tough the past week has been, as he went back-and-forth on his decision to stay in Happy Valley or head to Los Angeles. Lane Kiffin and the Trojans' coaching staff clearly put the full-court press on Redd, and in the end he decided that a move to USC was the right decision for his future.</p>
<p>In his statement, Redd was effusive in his praise for the Nittany Lion football family and fan base, expressing his deep gratitude as he fulfilled a lifetime dream to play for PSU. Here's another snippet of his statement, which cited some of his reasoning for transferring, via <a href="http://blog.ctnews.com/overtime/2012/07/31/redd-transferring-to-usc/" target="_blank">Dave Ruden of the Stamford Advocate</a>:</p>
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<p>We have weighed the pros and cons of staying at Penn State and leaving Penn State, attending USC and not attending USC, and I can honestly say that, ultimately, this decision is about so much more than football. I continue to have aspirations for my life, and as my family and I considered the bigger picture - both on and off the field - it became clearer to me that USC will be the best fit for my academic, athletic, and personal needs over the next two years. I look forward to future successes, and to the continued support of everyone around me.</p>
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<p>You can read the <a href="http://blog.ctnews.com/overtime/2012/07/31/redd-transferring-to-usc/" target="_blank">complete statement here</a>.</p>
<p><i>For more on Penn State athletics, head over to <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/" target="_blank">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. For more on everything surrounding the Penn State scandal and sanctions, stick with our <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/12/3155520/freeh-report-joe-paterno-penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky" target="_blank">StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/7/31/3209776/silas-redd-transfer-usc-trojans-penn-stateBrendan Porath2012-07-31T20:29:17-04:002012-07-31T20:29:17-04:00Penn State's Kevin Haplea Will Transfer, According To Report
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<p>Coming on the heels of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd's</a> decision to transfer to USC, Penn State reportedly lost another player on the offensive side of the ball on Tuesday night when word came down that tight end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114126/kevin-haplea">Kevin Haplea</a> had decided to transfer. <a href="http://nittanyextra.com/?p=2033" target="_blank">Rich Scarcella reported the news for the Reading Eagle</a>:</p>
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<p>Kevin Haplea, the most experienced tight end on the Penn State roster, has decided to transfer, a source told the Reading Eagle.</p>
<p>Haplea visited Florida State last week, but it was unclear to where he will transfer.</p>
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<p>Haplea played in every game the past two seasons but entered fall camp as the No. 2 "F" tight end of the depth chart. While it's not a major loss for the Lions, Haplea joins <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114107/rob-bolden">Rob Bolden</a> and Redd as three offensive players exiting Happy Valley in the past two days.</p>
<p><i>For more on Penn State athletics, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. For more on everything surrounding the Penn State scandal, stick with our <a target="_blank" href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/12/3155520/freeh-report-joe-paterno-penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky">StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/7/31/3207843/kevin-haplea-penn-state-transferBrendan Porath2012-07-31T17:50:01-04:002012-07-31T17:50:01-04:00Silas Redd To Transfer To USC, According To Reports
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<p>After days of speculation, Penn State junior running back Silas Redd will transfer to USC, according to multiple reports on Tuesday afternoon. </p>
<p>Dave Ruden of the <i>Stamford Advocate</i><a href="http://twitter.com/DaveRuden/status/230416059985960960"> first reported</a> the story.</p>
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<p>Just spoke briefly with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd's</a> father. Going to let Silas' text statement stand. They are happy this is all over. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23PennState"><s>#</s><b>PennState</b></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23USC"><s>#</s><b>USC</b></a></p>
— Dave Ruden (@DaveRuden) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveRuden/status/230417786722209792" data-datetime="2012-07-31T21:40:55+00:00">July 31, 2012</a>
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<p>Redd rushed for 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore last season for the Nittany Lions. But as part of NCAA sanctions levied by NCAA President Mark Emmert last week, which included a $60 million fine and a four-year postseason ban, all Penn State players are free to transfer without penalty. </p>
<p>The Connecticut native will, as a result, be eligible to play immediately for the Trojans this season.</p>
<p>He spent the past weekend visiting the USC campus, reportedly spending time with quarterback Matt Barkley and wide receiver Robert Woods.</p>
<p><i>For more on Penn State athletics, head over to <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/" target="_blank">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. For more on everything surrounding the Penn State scandal, stick with our <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/12/3155520/freeh-report-joe-paterno-penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky" target="_blank">StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/7/31/3207557/silas-redd-penn-state-transfer-uscJoey Kaufman2012-07-31T13:21:13-04:002012-07-31T13:21:13-04:00Khairi Fortt To Transfer From Penn State To Cal, According To Report
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/penn-st-nittany-lions">Penn St. Nittany Lions</a> linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114109/khairi-fortt">Khairi Fortt</a> is going to transfer out of Penn State and play instead with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/california-golden-bears">California Golden Bears</a>, according to a report.</p>
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<p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/bryandfischer"><s>@</s><b>bryandfischer</b></a>: RT <a href="https://twitter.com/rgbearterritory"><s>@</s><b>rgbearterritory</b></a>: SOURCE: Khairi Fortt has decided to transfer from <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23PennState"><s>#</s><b>PennState</b></a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Cal"><s>#</s><b>Cal</b></a>.</p>
— Stephen White (@sgw94) <a data-datetime="2012-07-31T16:53:24+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/sgw94/status/230345430280581120">July 31, 2012</a>
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<p>In 2011, Fortt played in every game, recording six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks over the course of the season. In the TicketCity Bowl against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/houston-cougars">Houston Cougars</a>, Fortt recorded two tackles for loss, including a sack.</p>
<p>This is most likely not the last domino to fall when it comes to the players leaving Penn State because of the penalties handed down by the NCAA. Penn State has to wonder how many more players will depart.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on Penn State athletics, head over to <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. For more on everything surrounding the Penn State scandal, stick with our <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/12/3155520/freeh-report-joe-paterno-penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky">StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/7/31/3206827/khairi-fortt-transfer-penn-state-cal-according-to-reportTim Blank2012-07-26T22:21:34-04:002012-07-26T22:21:34-04:00Penn State Recruiting: Nittany Lions Pick Up Late 2012 Commit
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<p>Head coach Bill O'Brien added a late commit to Penn State' 2012 recruiting class on Thursday in Brennan Franklin, a 6-foot-2 linebacker from Peoria, Ariz. Franklin, who signed a tender offer, becomes the first player to commit to the Nittany Lions program in the wake of NCAA sanctions announced earlier this week.</p>
<p>He will be eligible to play this season but will likely redshirt and leaves for State College on Friday. Beforehand, he was set to play this season at Eastern Arizona College after receiving no offers from either in-state schools, Arizona or Arizona State, or any school from a BCS conference.</p>
<p>"It's a dream for every linebacker to play there," Franklin <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fsports%2Fpreps%2Farticles%2F20120726peoria-centennial-linebacker-brennan-franklin-commits-penn-state.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fpittsburgh.sbnation.com%2F2012%2F7%2F26%2F3192449%2Fpenn-state-recruiting-nittany-lions-pick-up-late-2012-commit" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">told</a> the <i>Arizona Republic</i>.</p>
<p>"I know there's a mess out there, but it's one of the best schools to go to. If I went to New Mexico or New Mexico State or Indiana, they wouldn't be he going to a bowl game anyway. I get to play in stadium with 107,000 people. I get a great degree at the end of the day."</p>
<p>Penn State is currently facing a four-year postseason amid other penalties. Franklin, though, didn't appear overly concerned.</p>
<p><i>For more on Penn State athletics, head over to <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/" target="_blank">Black Shoe Diaries</a>. For more on everything surrounding the Penn State scandal, stick with our <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/12/3155520/freeh-report-joe-paterno-penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky" target="_blank">StoryStream</a>.</i></p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2012/7/26/3192449/penn-state-recruiting-nittany-lions-pick-up-late-2012-commitJoey Kaufman