Zinger: Lyons, Keys Out at Penn State

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Defensive end Jameial Lyons and linebacker Kaveion Keys are no longer a part of the Penn State football program. A Penn State spokesperson confirmed the status.

PSU announced on July 31 that both players were placed on interim suspension and that they were not participating in the first practice of fall camp. The university administration did not reveal the reasoning behind the suspensions. And, the university has not stated why both players are leaving the program altogether.

Coach James Franklin spoke to the media on Aug. 3 but did not comment on the situation regarding Keys and Lyons. This most likely means the program will not be speaking on the matter moving forward. 

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Questions at Penn State

Both players would have been heading into their second season in the program. Neither were expected to start at their respective positions. However, Lyons was expected to take a big leap heading into Year 2, with the defensive end position a question mark for the Nittany Lions, not just this year but moving forward. Lyons, who is from Philadelphia, made an impact as a freshman, recording 6 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 1 quarterback sack. He was expected to be a significant part of the defensive rotation this year.

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Keys, a linebacker, was also expected to take a significant leap forward in Year 2 as he was awarded the coaching staff’s Developmental Squad Player of the Year and the Developmental Squad Special Teams Player of the Year. He is from Richmond, Va. The Nittany Lions were counting on him to make meaningful contributions this year. His departure means that others will have to step up.

Next in Line

In the Franklin era, Penn State has had several linebackers grow during their collegiate careers. Furthermore, "underdog” players have a rich tradition at Penn State: Walk-ons like Jan Johnson and Brandon Smith fought to become key contributors on PSU squads. With the departures of Lyons and Keys, the Nittany Lions now need others to step up. The good news is that Penn State has a full month to find the next players to grow and develop in new defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s system. 

Penn State’s first game is on August 31, against West Virginia in Morgantown, W.V. Franklin’s staff will grind it out through fall camp to find the next player to step up.