A Penn State Freshman Is No Longer With the Program

Mega Barnwell, a 4-star prospect in Penn State's 2023 recruiting class, no longer is with the team or listed on the program's roster. Barnwell was among 11 players in the class who enrolled early and participated in spring drills.

Barnwell, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, was ranked as the No. 10 tight end nationally in the 2023 recruiting class, according to ESPN. He was a captain at Spotsylvania High during the 20222 season and was highly recruited out of high school. Barnwell chose Penn State over Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oregon, USC and Tennessee. He committed to the Lions in 2020, reopened his recruiting and committed again in 2021.

Barnwell (6-6, 250 pounds) signed with Penn State as a tight end, but coach James Franklin said Barnwell had position flexibility.

As you guys know, Mega committed to us like in fourth grade," Franklin said on Signing Day in December. "We tried to convince him not to commit. When he committed, wanted to make sure they were comfortable, truly knew what that was. I think it was actually ninth grade. His eyes started to wander in 10th grade, then committed back to us, which doesn't always happen. I think obviously we've been able to get to know him and the family really well. We have recruited him to play tight end. We did recruit a number of tight ends in this class.

"But .. he does have position flexibility. He's the tallest guy in this class. We do think he could play defensive end, we do think he could play defensive tackle. We think he can play tight end, for sure. I think there's also a chance he could play on the offensive line. Now, most high school kids don't want to hear that they're being projected to move to offensive line until you show them how many first-round draft choices on the offensive line started at tight end. That's usually a pretty good story to tell.

"At the end of the day we want guys to play the position they want to play. A lot of times guys will kind of see that on their own, that they need to move. But to be honest with you, we just wanted him in our program. He's a really good athlete, great family, really good student, with position flexibility. He may be at tight end for four or five years or another position. We'll see how the genetics play out. We've been very honest and open with the kid and the family that some of these things are possibility. Again, we wouldn't move him unless him and the family were onboard with the decision."

More on Penn State

Penn State Football on SI.com

Penn State Basketball on SI.com

Why James Franklin tells some prospects not to commit

Penn State lands three 2024 commitments on one hectic Sunday

Penn State continues recruiting surge in Florida

Penn State to honor Wally Triplett with new Brand Academy

Quarterback Drew Allar heads to Manning Passing Academy

Penn State offers Virginia offensive lineman, Class of 2028

For Penn State, a hospital visits lifts players from their 'football bubble'

Penn State announces four more kickoff times, including one on the Peacock streaming service

A future Penn State receiver is Pennsylvania's fastest sprinter

Penn State offers fans added ways to spend time, and money, at Beaver Stadium

Calls for expanded replay in men's lacrosse after Penn State's controversial NCAA semifinal loss to Duke

Penn State probably won't miss playing Michigan State at Spartan Stadium this season

The Lions will play Michigan State on Black Friday at Ford Field

Rappelling Penn State's Beaver Stadium, at age 103

Penn State gets commitment from 2024 quarterback, who's headed to the Elite 11 Finals

Penn State schedules 2023 White Out vs. Iowa

The Lions must be 'very intentional' this summer, James Franklin says

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.