Penn State end Rodney McGraw to enter NCAA transfer portal
Penn State will lose a defensive end to the NCAA transfer portal. Rodney McGraw announced on social media that he intends to enter the portal when it opens next week.
A former three-star recruit, the Elkhart, Ind., native will have multiple years of eligibility remaining at his new school, which could be closer to home in the midwest.
Thank you Penn State for an incredible experience,” McGraw wrote on Twitter.
“I learned a lot playing for Coach Scott and Franklin. I’m extremely appreciative of my time in Happy Valley. I believe it’s in my best interest to enter the transfer portal at this time. With 3 years of eligibility remaining.”
McGraw appeared in only three games for the Nittany Lions after coming to State College in the Class of 2021. He made his first career tackle in the team’s 2022 win over Minnesota. And, he also received snaps against Ohio and Central Michigan, according to the program’s participation report.
“Rodney McGraw brings a well-needed defensive end, edge pressure guy,” Penn State defensive coordinator Terry Smith said when McGraw signed with the Lions. “He has a lot of toughness. He brings good speed and athleticism.
“Obviously, he’s got to come in and develop, but we’re extremely excited about him coming.”
McGraw’s time to do so in State College has been cut short, however, by his decision to move on.
Looking at the 2023 Penn State defensive end room
It’s not impossible to think that McGraw could have found himself in position coach John Scott Jr.’s defensive line rotation in 2023. But, he had a lot of work ahead at defensive end to do so.
Starters Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson will both be back. Oft-used backup Nick Tarburton could be, as well, if he chooses to use the free year that the NCAA gave all players because of the coronavirus pandemic. From there, former five-star Dani Dennis-Sutton figures to have an even bigger role after burning his redshirt this fall. And, Smith Vilbert, Amin Vanover, Zuriah Fisher, and Davon Townley Jr., all have eligibility remaining. A late Lions addition in either the Class of 2023 or the transfer portal cannot be ruled out, either.
All told, Scott Jr., should have plenty of pieces to work with at the position next fall, even with McGraw moving on.
Lions roster news since the 2023 regular season ended
Nov. 29, 2022 — Quarterback Christian Veilleux announces that he will enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Nov. 28, 2022 — Offensive tackle Olu Fashanu says that he will be back with the Lions next fall
