Penn State quarterback Steven Bench to transfer

Penn State sophomore quarterback Steven Bench has been granted a release to transfer, according to the school.

Bench, who will complete the spring semester on campus, tweeted that he wanted to go to a school that gave him an opportunity to compete for a starting quarterback job.

Penn State coach Bill O'Brien said sophomore Tyler Ferguson and freshmen D.J. Crook, Christian Hackenburg and Austin Whipple will compete for the starting quarterback job.

Some reports had Bench even with Ferguson as the Nittany Lions finished spring practice.

Last January, Bench said O'Brien's experience mentoring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady influenced his decision to sign with Penn State. He played in two games as a true freshman in 2012, completing two of seven passes for 12 yards and rushing for 18 yards against Virginia. He did not complete his lone pass attempt against Purdue.

"I have been meeting with all the players this week with my evaluation of where they are at related to football and academics and to discuss what they need to work on this summer," O'Brien said in a release. "After meeting with Steven, he informed me he wants to play elsewhere. We want what is best for Steven. I want to thank him for his contributions to the program. We wish Steven the best in the future and will assist him anyway we can."

Penn State opens its 2013 season on Aug. 31 vs. Syracuse at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

https://twitter.com/SBench12/status/327163730758615040