Penn State back Keyvone Lee picks transfer destination
Former Penn State running back Keyvone Lee entered the transfer portal back in January. Now, in mid-April, the St. Petersburg, Fla., native has picked his next college football home.
Lee will play next at Mississippi State. He enrolled Tuesday, the Clarion Ledger reports and has two years of eligibility at his new school after running for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns during his time in State College.
A former four-star recruit, Lee carried just 25 times for 94 yards last season as an injury cost him much of the year. He had hoped to return for the Rose Bowl and traveled with the team to Pasadena, Calif. But, he did not receive a carry in the game. Twelve days later, he entered the transfer portal. It’s unclear what, if any, other options he considered.
Lee’s best season at Penn State from a carries standpoint came in 2021. Then, he rushed 108 times for 530 yards and two touchdowns. But, he set his career mark for touchdowns in a season during the shortened 2020 season, when he scored four times.
Penn State had just two scholarship running backs during spring practice this year in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Two more, Cameron Wallace and London Montgomery, arrive on campus this summer.
Now, let’s take a look at the transfer portal situation at Penn State to date.
Which Lions have entered the transfer portal?
–Former backup but current third-string quarterback Christian Veilleux was the first Lion to announce his plans to enter the portal. He did so back on Nov. 29 and then officially entered it on Dec. 5. He committed to Pittsburgh on Dec. 18.
–Defensive end Rodney McGraw signaled his intention to do so on Dec. 4 and entered it on Dec. 5. He committed to Louisville on Dec. 18.
–Corner Jeffrey Davis Jr., did so on Dec. 5. He picked Stony Brook on Dec. 29.
–Defensive end Davon Townley Jr., entered on Dec. 7. He decided to return to the Nittany Lions and is going through spring practice.
–Defensive tackle Fatorma Mulbah entered the portal as a graduate transfer on Jan. 5. He committed to West Virginia on Jan. 12.
–Walk-on linebacker Cody Romano enters the portal on Jan. 10.
–Walk-on longsnapper Michael Wright entered the portal on Dec. 1. He committed to Boston College on Jan. 12.
–Linebacker Jamari Buddin entered the portal on Jan. 12. He ended up at New Mexico State.
–Receiver Jaden Dottin entered the portal on Jan. 18. He has not yet picked a new school.
—Keyvone Lee entered the portal on Jan. 13. He left it on Tuesday by picking Mississippi State.
Who have the Lions landed in the portal?
Dec. 8 — Penn State lands a walk-on from former Columbia kicker Alex Felkins. He is a three-time All-IVY League selection.
Dec. 17 — The Lions landed former FAU punter Riley Thompson. He averaged 45.4 yards per boot and was named a freshman All-American by The Athletic and a third-team All-American by Pro Football Focus.
Dec. 26 — Penn State picked up North Carolina corner Storm Duck.
Jan. 15, 2023 — Penn State lands former Kent State receiver Dante Cephas.
Jan. 18, 2023 — The Lions land former Florida State receiver Malik McClain.
April 6, 2023 — Penn State picks up a pledge from former Minnesota running back Trey Potts.
April 21, 2023 — Duck enters the portal after spring practice. He eventually transfers to Louisville.
May 4, 2023 — Old Dominion transfer Alonzo Ford, a defensive tackle, picks PSU.
