Running Back Akeel Lynch to Transfer from Penn State

This one was expected, but will still sting a bit. Akeel Lynch, who began the 2015 season as the top running back on the roster, announced his decision to transfer today via the patented tweeting a screenshot of the notes app method. The full text of the message is well worth your time. Lynch thanks his coaches, as well as legendary running back and Heisman winner John Cappelletti, with whom he shared the number 22 while at Penn State.

More than anything, Lynch got caught up in a time of incredible depth at running back. Saquon Barkley exploded against Buffalo and never looked back, taking the starting job with him. Newly-minted five star running back commit Miles Sanders will likely be the second man up on the depth chart, as another dynamic back with explosive potential. Andre Robinson, Nick Scott, and Mark Allen will also be competing for touches at the position.

Lynch has plenty of ability and will be a boon to any team that picks him up. In limited duty this season, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns. In 2014, splitting carries evenly with Bill Belton after Zach Zwinak went down, Lynch ran for 703 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry behind a line that provided minimal space.

The Toronto native graduated with his Penn State degree, and will be eligible immediately wherever he ends up. Good luck, Akeel!

Thank you, Penn State. pic.twitter.com/RfaCeLak0W

— Akeel J. Lynch (@ALynch_22) January 13, 2016