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Pair of Penn State running backs react to Ja'Juan Seider leaving for Notre Dame

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•about 11 hours•

GregPickel

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Running back Quinton Martin. (Credit: Steve Manuel | Blue White Illustrated)

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State second-year running backs Quinton Martin Jr., and Corey Smith found out that seventh-year Nittany Lions assistant Ja’Juan Seider might be leaving the Lions like almost everyone else did: From social media. News first broke on Sunday that the Florida native was in line for a new job at Notre Dame. Seider then called all of his players to let them know what was going on. The move isn’t official as of 3:30 p.m. ET on Monday. But, earlier on Tuesday before most of the Class of 2024 had their first media session here after they were off limits to reporters as true freshmen, head coach James Franklin confirmed Seider’s departure.

“He called us,” Martin Jr., said. “Let us know the whole situation. He let us know that’s what’s best for him. And he just ended it on the best terms he can.”

Added Martin:

“I really didn’t have any reaction, because I feel like at the end of the day, it’s a business, and people got to do what’s best for theirself,. I know he recruited us. And, I appreciate him for recruiting us and stuff. But at the end of the day, he got to do what he got to do what’s best for his family.

“I was surprised. I was definitely surprised. But, you just got to move on with life.”

More: What did James Franklin say about Penn State assistant Ja’Juan Seider’s pending departure to Notre Dame?

Because this was a media availability for the Class of 2024, Penn State seniors Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen were not available to share their thoughts. But, it goes without saying that they spent a lot more time with Seider than their two younger Penn State teammates did.

“I can’t really speak for them, but I can definitely say that they were very caught off guard and hurt a little bit because they’ve been with them for three years and [are] going into their last season without him could take a toll on them. But, I think they’re going to try to keep their head off that as much as they can.”

Last but certainly not least, Martin Jr., or Smith were both asked if they thought about entering the transfer portal when it opens this spring with Seider moving on. Both said no.

“I mean me as a player, I feel like, regardless of the situation, I’m gonna be me,” Smith said. “I’m going to ball out to my highest expectations. And, I feel like it’s going to be at Penn State. So yeah, I’m good.”

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