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Sports

QB Steven Bench to transfer from Penn State, a candidate for open starting job

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • 78a1913d-Penn State Spring Game Football
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    Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien, left, talks with quarterback Steven Bench (12) during the first half of their spring NCAA college football game on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (The Associated Press)

  • 04b209a7-Penn State Spring Game Football
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    Penn State fullback Dominic Salomone (34) stands between quarterbacks Tyler Ferguson (5) and Steven Bench (12) on the sideline during the first half of their spring NCAA college football game on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (The Associated Press)

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Penn State backup quarterback Steven Bench plans to transfer, a move that at least temporarily lessens the field for the starting job this fall.

Nittany Lions coach Bill O'Brien said Wednesday that Bench was granted a release to leave the program. He will finish the spring semester at Penn State.

Bench's departure likely puts sophomore and junior college transfer Tyler Ferguson atop the depth chart for now. Bench and Ferguson split first-team reps in spring practice, which wrapped up last weekend.

O'Brien had said that he wouldn't decide on a starter until August preseason camp, when prized freshman recruit Christian Hackenberg joins the competition.

Bench didn't see much playing time as a freshman last season backing up record-setting senior Matt McGloin.