Bench to transfer from Penn State

University Park, PA – Sophomore quarterback Steven Bench has been granted his release to transfer from Penn State.

"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," said coach Bill O'Brien. "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."

The Georgia native played in two games against Virginia and Purdue as a true freshman in 2012. Bench will complete the spring semester at PSU.

Bench was a coveted three star recruit out of Cairo High School. He received scholarship offers from Rice, Georgia State, Jacksonville State, Samford and South Alabama before committing to PSU.

O'Brien said that sophomore Tyler Ferguson and freshmen Christian Hackenberg, D.J. Crook and Austin Whipple will compete to replace departing senior Matt McGloin.