Penn State lineman Des Holmes is in the transfer portal; how does it impact the Lions?
Penn State offensive line Des Holmes has entered the transfer portal, according to On3.
The news would have come as a surprise before this season began but it is hardly shocking now.
After playing in four games a year ago and 13 in 2019, Holmes saw action in 10 of the Lions’ 12 2021 contests during a 7-5 regular season. Yet, almost none of it came along the regular offensive line. Instead, the fifth-year senior saw mostly special teams work on placement kicks and/or field goal tries. He did play guard late in wins over Villanova and Ball State, but that was it.
“Des improves every week,” offensive line coach Phil Trautwein said in September. “He’s playing both guards and doing a heck of a job.”
Holmes was expected to compete for a starting spot entering the fall. However, it quickly became clear by mid-September that Penn State was only comfortable playing its starting five in big games and key moments.
That said, Bryce Effner and Landon Tengwall did receive more reps as the season progressed. Holmes never did, however. It’s surely the biggest reason why he will play his final college football season elsewhere. He is the third Nittany Lion to enter the portal this year. The offensive lineman is joined by safeties Tyler Rudolph and Enzo Jennings. Others could follow in their footsteps between now and the Outback Bowl opposite Arkansas on New Year’s Day (Noon ET, ESPN2). More entries will follow that if history repeats itself.
Portal pain score for Penn State: 2
With center Mike Miranda and guard Eric Wilson moving on, Penn State could have used the depth Holmes provided inside. That said, Sal Wormley returning healthy at guard will help matters assuming he does. So, too, could the transfer portal. Bryce Effner and Juice Scruggs are both interior linemen who are expected to be back in Phil Trautwein’s room, as well. Anthony Whigan has eligibility left but went through Senior Day festivities. His return is unlikely but remains a possibility.
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Ultimately, portal entries tend to impact practices more than games. That’s not always the case but seems to be here. One is left wondering, however, why Holmes never progressed from 2020 enough to see significant snaps. Then, it appeared likely that he could become a surefire starter in 2021. Now, he’s looking for somewhere else to play.
Class of 2017 attriton continues
Numerous members of Penn State’s 21-member Class of 2017 have also either hit the portal or left the roster early since coming to campus.
The portal list includes receiver Mac Hippenhammer, lineman CJ Thorpe, defensive tackles Damion Barber and Corey Bolds, linebackers Brailyn Franklin and Brelin Faison-Walden, and corner DJ Brown. Offensive lineman Robbie Martin also left the team for undisclosed reasons.
Beyond them, corner Donovan Johnson and back Journey Brown were forced to end their careers early because of medical issues.
