Penn State EDGE Davon Townley enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Penn State Nittany Lions EDGE Davon Townley has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, On3 has learned.

Townley played high school football at North Senior (MN), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 221 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Over the course of his time with the Nittany Lions, Davon Townley only amassed four total tackles, so he’ll be looking to have a larger impact and fill the stat-sheet up wherever the now-former Penn State star ends up in 2024.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

James Franklin praises Abdul Carter for changing positions this spring

In other Penn State news, Abdul Carter has been one of the best players on the Penn State Nittany Lions‘ defense since he first arrived in State College. Now, head coach James Franklin is asking him to take on a new challenge by moving to be an edge rusher.

With Spring ball in full swing, Franklin praised Carter. In particular, he explained that the change of positions is going incredibly well despite how different the two positions are.

“As you guys all know, Abdul is very, very talented,” James Franklin said. “The transition has probably gone better and faster than I thought it would. It’s a different world up there [at defensive end]. It sounds good, but it’s a major difference.” 

Abdul Carter came to Penn State as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. At that time, he was a linebacker, which is the position he’s played since he got to Penn State. During that time, Carter played in 26 games. He also had 104 total tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, and 11 sacks during that time.

“And he’s really transitioned very, very well,” Franklin said. “He’s been physical. He’s been explosive off of the edge. There are still some things he’s learning, but his transition has probably gone better and faster than anticipated.”

The move to edge rusher isn’t the only major change for Penn State on the defensive side of the ball. The Nittany Lions also have a new defensive coordinator in Tom Allen, who will help to contribute to a new-look defense for Penn State. That defense will be reliant on Carter being successful.

On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this article.