ALTOONA, Pa. -- While lots of players play on both offense and defense in high school, it's just not something that's done very much at the major college level.
Only two Penn State players have done so in the past six years -- Dae'Lun Darien in 2017 and Marquis Wilson in 2021.
Wilson has one more year of eligibility remaining, and Monday he entered the transfer portal, looking to find a place where he can get more playing time.
Wilson played cornerback only in 2019 and 2020, making two starts during the 2020 season. The coaching staff tried him as a two-way player in 2021, and he had three receptions for 29 yards to go along with six tackles.
Wilson switched back to defense only this past season, appearing in 10 games and making 18 tackles. He also has returned three punts over the past two seasons.
For his career, he appeared in 38 games and made 57 tackles (34 solo), with two interceptions, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and seven passes defended.
Wilson (5-11, 180) has the kind of experience and athleticism that should make him appealing for programs looking to add a defensive back from the transfer portal.
The timing is a bit odd for Wilson to enter the portal, since the current window closes in two days. The next portal window will be from May 1-15.
Wilson is the eighth Penn State player to enter the portal, not counting DL Davon Townley, who did so and then changed his mind. These are the other seven:
• QB Christian Veilleux (Pitt)
• CB Jeffrey Davis Jr.
• DE Rodney McGraw (Louisville)
• OT Maleek McNeil
• DL Fatorma Mulbah (West Virginia, which he announced Thursday)
• LB Jamari Buddin
• RB Keyvone Lee
RECRUITING RECORD
A lot of people have pointed to Taylor Stubblefield's track record as a recruiter as one of the reasons he may have been fired as wide receivers coach Sunday.
While some of Stubblefield's players have succeeded on the field -- as he pointed out in his farewell message -- the fact of the matter is that he did not rank highly individually as a recruiter.
Per the 247Sports recruiter rankings, here is where Stubblefield ranked in the Big Ten -- not nationally, just the Big Ten. As you can see, these rankings are ... not good.
2021: 80th
2022: 17th
2023: 73rd
Here's a look at Stubblefield's top all-time commits, from 247Sports.
NEXT IN LINE?
It should not be long before Penn State announces Stubblefield's replacement. It's highly unlikely James Franklin would make such a move without already having someone in mind to take over as wide receivers coach.
It wouldn't be a surprise if an announcement comes in the next day or two.
STROUD DECLARES FOR DRAFT
Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud waited until the final day, sparking some debate about his plans, but did finally declare for the NFL draft on Monday.
The two-time Heisman Trophy finalist is expected to be one of the top players picked in the draft this year.
The Buckeyes now will be looking to replace Stroud and continue their long run of success at quarterback -- at least at the college level. Ohio State quarterbacks have, for the most part, really struggled in the NFL.
