Receiver Justin Brown becomes the latest defection from Penn State
The exodus from Penn State continued this week with receiver Justin Brown packing his bags for Oklahoma.
Brown visited Oklahoma last week and, after meeting with Penn State coach Bill O'Brien late last week, decided a transfer would be in his best interest with just one season remaining and Penn State banned from the postseason for the next four years.
Brown, who was Penn State's second-leading receiver last season with 35 catches for 517 yards and two touchdowns, immediately boosts an Oklahoma receiving corps that has been the most questionable spot of an otherwise stellar offense.
Kenny Stills is the only returning receiver with a catch who is not currently facing some sort of suspension. Jaz Reynolds and Trey Franks were re-awarded their scholarships this week after losing them following suspensions in the offseason. However, coach Bob Stoops said both players would be suspended "multiple" games.
[Related: Paterno family attempts to appeal NCAA sanctions against PSU]
Sophomore receiver Kameel Jackson, who was suspended with Reynolds and Franks, was dismissed from the team on Saturday.
So Brown's arrival, which should be Monday, couldn't have come at a better time for the Sooners, who were ranked No. 4 in the USA Today coaches poll.
Brown is the ninth player to transfer following unprecedented NCAA sanctions that included scholarship losses and a $60 million fine. That group of transfers, who are eligible immediately, includes, running back Silas Redd (USC), quarterback Rob Bolden (LSU), kicker Anthony Fera (Texas), backup tight end Kevin Haplea (Florida State), linebacker Kahairi Fortt (Cal), offensive lineman Ryan Nowicki (Illinois), defensive tackle Jamil Pollard (Rutgers), safety Tim Buckley (N.C. State).
With Brown gone, Penn State's offense is in big trouble. Brown was supposed to pick up the slack for Derek Moye, who was the team's top receiver last season before graduating. But with Brown gone, the Nittany Lions return Shawney Kersey, Brandon Moseby-Felder, Allen Robinson and Christian Kuntz, who combined for 13 receptions, 201 yards and no touchdowns last season.
[Also: Florida's Neiron Ball overcomes brain surgery to don pads]
Redd, the Nittany Lions' former top running back, and Brown constituted 40 percent of last year's total offense.
Redd's transfer really started the mass exodus and while several players said they were going to stick it out, it seems like every day another players declares his intention to leave. However, with almost all camps starting this week, the defections should be winding down, allowing the Nittany Lions to finally get on with their season.
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