Lions lose starting WR

Penn State is down another wide receiver.

Junior Shawney Kersey has left the team for personal reasons, according to coach Bill O'Brien. Kersey was tabbed as a starter to open the 2012 season after the Nittany Lions lost all of their top receivers from last year to graduation, transfer and dismissal.

"The train can't stop rolling" because of Kersey's departure, senior cornerback Stephon Morris said. "We're 0-2. We aren't really thinking about Shawney. We need to get a win. ... I'm moving forward. He's not a focus at all.

"I wish him the best, but right now he's not a part of this team. So it doesn't matter."

Penn State said Kersey remains enrolled at the school. Because he has played this season for the Lions, he is not eligible for the transfer exemption granted to Penn State players and would not be able to play for another team in 2012.

After catching five passes in 2011, Kersey had six grabs for 44 yards after two games in 2012. He finished his Penn State career with 12 catches for 154 yards.

That leaves a starting job open opposite No. 1 receiver Allen Robinson, who is among the leaders in the country in receptions with 19.

True freshman Trevor Williams as well as juniors Brandon Felder and Christian Kuntz are candidates for the spot. All three have yet to catch a pass.

"We have a lot of guys I feel like can get the job done," Morris said.

O'Brien has said he would prefer to redshirt former WVC standout Eugene Lewis. But every bit of attrition to the team's receiving corps increases his chances of seeing the field.

"With any true freshman, if you're going to play those guys, then you'd better actually play them," O'Brien said last week.