UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Rising sophomore quarterback Steven Bench (Bainbridge, Ga.) has been granted a release to transfer from the Penn State football program. He will complete the spring semester at the University, which ends May 3.
"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."
Bench played against Virginia and Purdue as a true freshman in 2012. He was 2 of 7 for 12 yards and gained 18 yards on three carries against the Cavaliers. He was 0 of 1 passing vs. the Boilermakers.
O'Brien said that sophomore Tyler Ferguson and freshmen Christian Hackenberg, D.J. Crook and Austin Whipple will compete for the starting quarterback assignment for the Aug. 31 season opener vs. Syracuse at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.