Transfer roundup: How Penn State offseason departures performed in 2021
Additions and subtractions via transfer portal impacted college football programs everywhere in 2021, and Penn State was no exception.
Let’s take a look at how those who left Penn State last offseason fared at their new destinations.
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Levis is the headliner of the offseason exits for the Nittany Lions. He led Kentucky to its fourth double-digit win total in school history, including a bowl victory over Iowa.
The signal-caller completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,826 yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on the year.
As Penn State fans saw in 2020, Levis also proved to be a capable runner. He carried the ball 107 times for 376 yards and nine touchdowns on the season.
Antonio Valentino (Shelton), DT, Florida
Valentino became a regular starter down the stretch for the Gators, having lost that job for four games in the middle of the season.
He completed his final season of eligibility with 15 tackles, including three for a loss, and a sack. Pro Football Focus gave him a 64.6 overall defensive grade.
Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
Kuntz emerged as a critical piece for former Penn State offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne at Old Dominion.
He caught 68 passes for 765 yards and five touchdowns on the season, as Old Dominion’s second-leading receiver. He earned a 77.5 overall grade from PFF, and a first-team All-Conference-USA nod.
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Lance Dixon, LB, West Virginia
A former four-star linebacker prospect, Dixon started four games for West Virginia this season.
He picked up 36 total tackles and one tackle for loss, while also breaking up a pass and recovering a fumble. PFF gave him a 65.9 overall grade.
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Shane Simmons, DE, Marshall
Simmons was excellent at the beginning of the season for Marshall, playing 30-plus snaps in five of the Herd’s first games. He then missed two weeks of action, and played in a reserve role thereafter.
He ended the season with 1.5 sacks, 30 total tackles and a 71.2 overall grade from PFF.
John Dunmore, WR, Oregon State
Dunmore appeared in one game for the Beavers, bringing in one reception for four yards.
Trent Gordon, CB, Arkansas
Gordon played in two games for the Razorbacks this season, earning eight total snaps on defense and making one tackle in the season opener against Rice.
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Joseph Johnson, CB, Campbell
Johnson played in eight games for Campbell this season, recording 12 total tackles, one pass break-up, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Micah Bowens, QB, Oklahoma
Bowens did not play for the Sooners this season.
Judge Culpepper, DT, Toledo
Culpepper appeared in 11 contests for the Rockets as they finished the season 7-6.
The former Penn State DL made 42 total tackles and finished the season with 2.5 sacks for the Rockets, while also breaking up a pair of passes. He earned a 69.2 defensive grade from PFF.
TJ Jones, WR, UAB
Jones played eight times for the Blazers this season, catching eight passes for 50 yards. He also rushed three times for 13 yards.
