Penn State lost another player Wednesday when redshirt sophomore tight end Dakota Royer announced he was leaving the team but would remain in school.
Royer, an all-state player at Manheim Central High School, came to PSU as a linebacker but never played a down for the Nittany Lions. He redshirted in 2010 and didn't appear in any games in 2011.
Coach Bill O'Brien switched Royer to tight end during the spring, and he was listed as battling for the third-string spot at one of the two tight end positions on the summer depth chart. He moved up one spot on the depth chart when second-stringer Kevin Haplea transferred to Florida State.
Royer, who is on schedule to graduate from PSU in May, issued a statement to several media outlets Wednesday explaining his decision but offered no specifics.
"Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, it is with great regret that I feel it necessary to remove myself from the team," Royer said in the statement.
"I want to thank my teammates for their support and camaraderie, as well as Coach O'Brien and his staff for the opportunity. I will exercise my rights from the NCAA and continue my education at Penn State, and plan to graduate in May. My best wishes go out to the team for a very successful football season."
