Anthony Poindexter explains why he stayed at Penn State

Once rumored to be the leading candidate for the head job at Virginia, Penn State safeties coach Anthony Pointdexter is staying put. Ahead of the Outback Bowl versus Arkansas, the former Cavaliers star discussed why he opted to stay with the Nittany Lions.

“Penn State is the right place for me because of the people here,” Poindexter said Friday. “Obviously, Coach James Franklin, he’s a great leader. Awesome man. Treats my family wonderfully. I love this Penn State community, this university.

“Things come up. I had to explore it because it was the school I went to, but at this time in my career, this is the right place for me to be under the leadership of Coach Franklin and I’m excited to be here.”

Poindexter will call Penn State’s plays in the Outback Bowl before Manny Diaz takes over as the full-time defensive coordinator.

The Penn State safeties noticeably improved during 45-year-old Anthony Poindexter’s first season in State College. He’s looking forward to continuing the growth before making any major moves in his career.

“I felt that in my soul, I felt that in my heart, that it wasn’t the right time, so I came back and I’m ready to work,” Poindexter said.

“I can’t say what the future holds for me. But, just how I went through my career, I show up at a place and I put my heart and soul into that place and just try to keep my head down and try to do the best job I can.”

The Nittany Lions will kick off against Arkansas at noon ET on New Year’s Day.

Penn State star will opt out of bowl game

Penn State linebacker Ellis Brooks will opt out of the Outback Bowl against Arkansas, he announced Monday. The redshirt senior’s career with the Nittany Lions is now over as he prepares to move on to the NFL.

Brooks led the Nittany Lions will 100 tackles this season, including 3.5 for loss. He is not the only PSU linebacker to opt-out of the Outback Bowl, as Brandon Smith made his announcement a few days ago.

The senior ends his collegiate career with 230 tackles (15 for loss), 5.5 sacks and an interception.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.