Penn State Football: Pair of former Hokies in transfer portal fits for Nittany Lions
Penn State football ended the season on a high note, and has decided to forego a bowl berth in 2020, officially entering the offseason, which could bring unique changes
Penn State football won their fourth straight Saturday night defeating Illinois 56-21, after opening the season 0-5, finishing the 2020 campaign at 4-5, the Nittany Lions‘ first losing season since 2004.
After Saturday’s game, Penn State Football captains and seniors decided to forego a bowl appearance, officially putting an end to the season and starting what feels like a rather crucial offseason for head coach James Franklin’s program.
A lot of talk these next few weeks will be centered around who stays and who goes.
The twist this offseason, is an NCAA rule that states this year will not count towards eligibility for any players, meaning seniors could come back in 2021, freshmen will once again be freshmen next year. The seniors who stay will not count towards the 85 man roster, so it will not hinder the addition of the 2021 freshman class or any potential transfers.
In addition to extra eligibility, the NCAA council voted to approve a proposal to make all transfers immediately eligible. In the past, players needed to appeal for immediate eligibility, and like most things in college athletics, it was hit or miss. This new rule creates college football free agency, and already we are seeing record numbers of student athletes entering the transfer portal.
In the past, Franklin has used the transfer portal sparingly, losing more players to it then gaining. However, when asked about it during last week’s press conference, Franklin was surprisingly honest about Penn State Football’s plans.
"“We have typically signed a full class to try to get to our 85, where a lot of programs have saved scholarships for the transfer market,” Franklin said. “We’re also going to be involved in that. So, when you talk about transfers, we’re going to be looking at defensive ends, we’re going to be looking at defensive backs from a transfer perspective, or in the second recruiting cycle. Those are areas that we’re going to be focused on.”"
Andy Frank, the Penn State Football Director of Player Personnel, was also candid with his expectations of how the Nittany Lions will look to add talent where they can.
"“I think we all kind of realize that, in the past, for us at Penn State, transfers were not a big part of our overall recruiting process. That will change.” Frank explained."
It is particularly telling that Franklin went as far as naming certain positions, even though that should come as no surprise to most Penn State football fans. The Nittany Lions will most likely lose both starting safeties and both starting defensive ends to the NFL this offseason.
Even though Franklin did not specifically mention it, Penn State fans will almost certainly be keeping a close eye on the quarterback market, as redshirt junior Sean Clifford struggled at times this season, turning the ball over 12 times in nine games.
Last week, a pair of now former Virginia Tech Hokies announced they will be entering the transfer portal. Quarterback Hendon Hooker and offensive linemen Doug Nester will now be available, and each present themselves as potentially intriguing options for Penn State football.
Lets take a more in depth look at Hooker and Nester and what they could bring to the blue and white: