In fairly shocking news, it was reported on Tuesday that former five-star wide receiver Justin Shorter has entered his name into the transfer portal.
Source: Penn State WR Justin Shorter is in the NCAA transfer portal.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 26, 2019
Shorter, who was the top-rated receiver in the 2018 recruiting class, has had an up-and-down season in 2019. Despite being part of the starting lineup for most of the season, he has seen only 20 total targets. He has 12 receptions for 137 yards, and 3 dropped passes. After a rough game against Minnesota, he lost his starting role to former walk-on Dan Chisena, but easily out-snapped Chisena against Ohio State on Saturday.
The former five-star prospect was the top-rated player from New Jersey in his class and was the No. 8-rated player nationally.
As a reminder, just because he has entered his name into the portal, does not mean he is surely on his way out of town. Lamont Wade entered his name into the portal during the past offseason, but ended up returning and is now one of the leaders of the defense.
Still, for a player as highly-regarded as Shorter who still seems to have so much potential, losing him would be a blow for the Nittany Lions. The timing also feels a bit odd, with him coming off of a game in which he out-snapped the other receivers at his position 37-18, and had 3 receptions.
Head coach James Franklin didn't have much to add when asked about the news.
JF on report WR Justin Shorter in transfer portal:
— Richard Scarcella (@nittanyrich) November 26, 2019
"I'm not sure where we're at."
