On the first day of portal season, two Penn State defenders announced their plans to transfer.
Hayes Fawcett of On3Sports reported that LB TaโMere Robinson and CB Jon Mitchell are entering the portal.
One of these is a surprise, the other shouldnโt be.
With Kobe King gone, Penn Stateโs MIKE linebacker position is up for grabs, and Robinson figured to be right in the mix. The third-year player from Pittsburghโs Brashear High School appeared in all 14 games last season, and coach James Franklin spoke highly of him earlier this spring.
“As you guys know, Ta’Mere was a big get for us,” Franklin said.
“I’ve always felt like he’s had a very, very bright future. He’s had some injuries that have been setbacks for him. So getting him back healthy, confident, and playing fast, heโs really flashing right now.โ
Itโs even more surprising considering that because of an injury to another LB in Tony Rojas, Robinson had received an increasing amount of reps over the spring.
“Obviously with Rojas being out, that’s more reps that he’s able to get,โ Franklin said. โSo sometimes, those injuries with experienced players are a blessing in disguise because they create opportunities for guys like Ta’Mere to get a ton of reps. But he’s been good. He’s been really good.โ
Mitchellโs case is more cut and dry. Still a young player, Mitchell didnโt figure to start for Penn State this season. PSU will lose players over every portal window, and Mitchell fits the type for the average player they would loseโ a guy cutting his teeth.
The spring transfer portal window will be open until April 25 for Penn State and all other teams.
