Defensive lineman Brandon Ware has spent much of his Penn State career trying to fight his way out of Joe Paterno's doghouse thanks to weight and academic issues. This past spring practice, many felt he was turning the corner and poised to have a breakout 2011 season beginning in September, but it seems his old demons have come back to haunt him once again, and this time, as Sean Fitz of Lions 247 reports, he could be done as a Nittany Lion.
Following the spring semester, Ware was deemed academically ineligible. Due to a new NCAA rule, he would have to sit out the entire 2011 season should he choose to remain at Penn State. Sources say he will likely seek a transfer with the aid of the Nittany Lions staff.
First and foremost, this is devastating news for Ware, and hard to hear for those who have followed his struggles at Penn State. Joe Paterno spoke glowingly about him in the spring, and he seemed to be the player the 84-year old was most excited to see on the field in 2011. Fans who have watched him grow will certainly hate to hear this.
The news is also very damaging from a team perspective. Already thin at defensive line, Penn State was counting on Ware to contribute. With him gone the Lions will be counting on the recovering Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore even more as well as a number of inexperienced guys on the line.