The fallout of the NCCA heavy sanctions from the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse cover up continues to deplete Penn State’s roster. Although many players committed to staying, some key players are bolting.
On Sunday, Peen State lost two major receivers that would have received significant playing time. One was a highly regarded incoming freshman, the other a returning starter.
Will Fuller of Philadelphia, who just last week, after a visit to Penn State, Tweeted that he was “100% committed to the greatest college,” reversed himself and is transferring to Notre Dame.
Fuller had told ESPN.com, “Top notch education really tipped the boat for me. They have a 98 percent graduation rate for players.”
Fuller also said the NCAA’s sanctions on the Nittany Lions didn’t play a role in his decision, but, he added, Notre Dame offered him in response to the issues at Penn State.
“I just know I have a better opportunity at Notre Dame,” he said.
The 6-foot-1, 163-pound Fuller was the lone Penn State commit who was recruited as a receiver.
Fuller’s switch to the Irish boosts Notre Dame’s No. 8-rated class to 19 pledges. Penn State now has 11 verbal commitments.
Meanwhile, Penn State senior wide receiver Justin Brown has told Oklahoma coaches he will transfer and play for the Sooners, a source told ESPN.
Brown has one season of eligibility and can play immediately for the Sooners. The wideout’s name was dropped from Penn State’s roster Sunday.
At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Brown was Penn State’s second-leading receiver last season, grabbing 35 catches for 517 yards and two touchdowns. He was the Nittany Lions’ most experienced returning receiver. He ends his Penn State career with 1,047 receiving yards. The Nittany Lions also lose a sensational return man in Brown, who ranked 36th nationally in punt returns in 2011.
Brown will compete for a starting job immediately at OU. At the moment, the Sooners have only one non-suspended receiver — junior Kenny Stills — who has made a catch wearing an OU uniform.
