For at least the sixth time this month, James Franklin has seen a member of his Penn State football program become a former member.
The latest to exit stage left is Joe Holmes, who confirmed to the Scranton Times-Tribune that he has decided to leave the Nittany Lions and transfer elsewhere. For Holmes, the reason for his decision was a simple one: a better opportunity for playing time, likely at a lower rung on the NCAA football ladder.
“It was a tough decision for me and my family,” the defensive tackle told the Times-Tribune. “Penn State really helped me grow as a man and as a player.
“I just think I have a better chance to start if I go to the FCS.”
Holmes came to PSU as a walk-on member of Franklin’s first recruiting class in 2014. After redshirting as a true freshman, the lineman was in line to compete for playing time before an injury during summer camp sidelined him for the entire 2015 season.
Holmes is the sixth known Nittany Lion to leave Franklin’s program the past three weeks. Geno Lewis announced his intent to transfer to Oklahoma Jan. 11. A day later, linebacker Troy Reeder bolted for FCS Delaware. Two days after that, running back Akeel Lynch announced on Twitter that he too was bolting.
Linebacker Gary Wooten Jr. and reserve cornerback Daquan Worley have also joined the dearly departed in that span.