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Four Players No Longer on Penn State Football Team

Two are transferring, and two players will stay at Penn State but no longer be a part of James Franklin's squad, multiple sources reported today.

By Cari Greene
Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Today multiple news outlets, including Lions247, Scout, and Onward State, are reporting that the above four players are leaving the Penn State football program.

Richy Anderson is unarguably the biggest surprise and loss, as he was the #2 wide receiver returning on the roster behind Geno Lewis and had been penciled in to start in the slot this fall--but with the incoming talent this fall, including Saeed Blacknall, Chris Godwin, and Nick Chris's favorite De'Andre Thompkins, the writing may have been on the wall in terms of playing time for the Frederick, MD, native. There's no word yet on where Anderson will look to transfer.

Same goes for the other wide receiver in the midst of this news; Jonathan Warner, like Anderson, was a legacy recruit for Penn State, but unlike Anderson, Warner hadn't seen any time on the field this past year after redshirting in 2012. Though Warner's playing days are over, he will continue his education at Penn State.

Also staying enrolled at PSU is Anthony Alosi, who was indefinitely suspended by Franklin earlier in the year (likely because of the simple assault charges pending against him). Though his presence could be the most missed as offensive line depth is perhaps the biggest concern headed into summer camp and the fall season, his absence at spring practice means that the rest of the offensive line has already been in place and gelled around him.

Lastly, walk-on sophomore quarterback Austin Whipple also will be transferring from Penn State. This comes as little to no surprise, as Whipple was fourth on the depth chart after spring behind Christian Hackenberg, Michael O'Connor, and DJ Crook--and this doesn't even count incoming freshman Trace McSorley, who may end up providing key depth at the quarterback position if necessary. Whipple's father is the new (and old) head coach at UMass, and that could be one of the places that the quarterback looks to transfer; as you may know, the Nittany Lions face the Minutemen in the fourth week of the season, and it likely won't be pretty.

Franklin's official statement on the departures is, "We thank them for their contributions to the program and wish them well in their future academic and athletic endeavors."

For those folks wondering how Franklin was going to free up space for additional scholarships, it looks like this was part of it--those some were already counting Alosi's as free. These likely won't be the last four to leave the program before the end of the season, and perhaps not even before the beginning of it.

Update: Whipple confirmed he will be leaving for UMass:

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