The Latest on Penn State's Transfer Portal Moves
The NCAA Transfer Portal's spring window closes April 30, and Penn State appears to be active player until the finish. Penn State on Monday joined a host of programs offering Colorado receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig, among the high-profile portal entrants during this two-week stretch.
He also fits a need that Penn State coach James Franklin identified after the Blue-White Game.
"I think we need some more depth and competition at wide receiver, because I do think we could get by [against] West Virginia [in the season-opener] or by game four or game five, I think we could have six guys that we feel good about," Franklin said. "But it's not competitive right now."
Penn State already has turned to the portal for two receivers in Malik McClain, the former Florida State player who caught two passes in the Blue-White Game, and Kent State's Dante Cephus, who will arrive this summer to provide an immediate upgrade. And yet, Franklin always is looking for more. Could Lemonious-Craig be that kind of player?
The receiver made an impact in Colorado's spring game Saturday, catching a 98-yard touchdown pass and scoring on another reception. He figured to be a major returning force for first-year coach Deion Sanders but instead entered the portal one day later.
The offers rolled in, from Tulane, South Florida, Washington State, Auburn, Penn State, Arizona and BYU, among others. Lemonious-Craig (6-2, 185 pounds) caught 23 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns last year and could work his way into a receiver rotation at Penn State. He would be an intriguing addition to a room that already has two transfers and a new position coach.
Franklin isn't shy about discussing his team's transfer needs. Whether as a motivation or advertising tactic, Franklin mimics the NFL general managers who fairly shout "open for business" ahead of the NFL Draft.
"We're in a good place right now, but I think we need some more depth and more competition at [defensive] tackle," Franklin said at the Blue-White Game before mentioning the receiver position. "... And then besides that, we will not turn down a great player at any position. So, the coaches were talking about how the phones are buzzing. It's all over the place right now. It's crazy. I addressed it with our team in the locker room afterwards. But those two positions specifically, and then a great difference-maker in any position."
Elsewhere in transfer news, Penn State expectedly lost one player when running back Devyn Ford entered his name into the portal. Ford played in four games last season, thus preserving his redshirt, but left the program and did not participate in spring drills. He is a two-time Dean's List honoree scheduled to graduate this spring. Ford is the third Penn State running back to enter the portal since the 2022 preseason, joining Caziah Holmes and Keyvone Lee.
More on Penn State
Penn State Basketball on SI.com
The Lions pick up their second commitment from a Wisconsin offensive lineman
Penn State draws closer to landing standout 2024 quarterback
A Penn State trustee says some board members are 'undermining athletics'
Penn State sets dates for 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center
Penn State still has work to do on NIL, James Franklin says
The Lions are on a recruiting roll
Pennsylvania's top football prospect commits to Penn State
Penn State picks up a transfer running back from Minnesota
Penn State's offensive line made spring strides
Lions receive 2025 commitment from New Jersey defensive back
For Penn State's Parker Washington, NFL Draft is a 'gamble' worth taking
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.
