:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61055283/864810634.jpg.0.jpg)
The big news out of the week came Monday afternoon when it was reported by Lions247 that linebacker Manny Bowen has left the program.
One of the top performers in Penn State’s linebacker crew, Bowen had been suspended for the Nittany Lions final three regular season games and their Fiesta Bowl win over Washington. Coach James Franklin announced earlier this month that Bowen had been reinstated to the team, but also made it clear he would not start in Week 1 versus Appalachian State.
Tuesday morning, fellow linebacker Cam Brown provided a big of clarity to the situation, saying Bowen left the team to focus on completing his degree.
Bowen’s departure may open the door for some of the team’s younger linebackers to make an impact right away, Frank Bodani of the York Daily Record writes.
That assessment may hold true, as a pair of newcomers — Micah Parsons and Jesse Luketa — are among a select group of freshman who have been given the “green light” to play the entire season.
The rest of the first-years will have to prove their worth to secure a permanent spot on the roster. They will have ample opportunity to do so, however, thanks to the new NCAA rule allowing players to play in four games without losing a year of eligibility.
Power Rankings
There are plenty of power rankings to go around. The Centre Daily Times’ John McGonigal has Penn State at No. 3 in his own power rankings, while Onward State has assessed something just as important: Penn State Coaches’ Twitter Accounts.
Depth Chart News
Tuesday afternoon, Penn State announced its depth chart for Week 1 against Appalachian State. Audrey Snyder nearly nailed her depth chart predictions and broke down the real thing. While five-star recruit Justin Shorter was not listed among the three wideout positions, the depth chart is littered with first-year players.