SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Starting linebacker Manny Bowen and redshirt sophomore wide receiver Irv Charles were dismissed from the football team for a violation of team rules, a Penn State spokesperson confirmed to DKPittsburghSports.com.
Bowen – who James Franklin said two weeks ago would not be making the trip after missing the final three regular season games due to a suspension for an unsdisclosed violation of team rules – also missed last year’s Rose Bowl game due to a violation of team rules. Bowen started 21 games during his Penn State career, including 12 of 13 last season and nine games this year.
Charles didn’t play in the Lions’ win this season against Nebraska when Franklin said the receiver "wasn't available and we'll leave it at that" but Charles returned to the field the following week, resuming his usual role as a key special teams contributor. Charles’ 80-yard touchdown last season against Minnesota was expected to be his breakout moment as it got the Lions’ season back on track, but it didn’t translate to success this year.
Charles, who Franklin last season said was “maybe the most talented wide receiver I've ever been around” hauled in one catch for four yards this season.
At this point neither move should come as much of a surprise given that both players have been in and out of the picture, especially Bowen who had 137 tackles in 35 appearances during his collegiate career. Penn State started repping sophomore linebacker Cam Brown at both the Sam and the Will linebacker spots, getting him work at the Will, Bowen’s old spot, the week Bowen’s suspension was made public.
Senior Brandon Smith has started in Bowen’s place during the suspension. He’ll play his last collegiate game this week along with senior middle linebacker Jason Cabinda, thus creating a void in the starting lineup next season that Bowen’s departure only magnifies.
Penn State will have 11 scholarship linebackers next season, including starting Sam linebacker Koa Farmer as well as Brown and freshman Ellis Brooks,who took a redshirt this season. Their other linebacking options include: Jarvis Miller, Jake Cooper, Brelin-Faison Walden, Brailyn Franklin as well as new signees Micah Parsons, Charlie Katshir, Jesse Luketa and Nick Tarburton. Franklin said last week on signing day that Parsons, the five-star prospect, will get looks at middle linebacker this spring, but that could be a tall order to ask a true freshman to quarterback the defense. Parsons and Luketa are both slated to enroll next month.
Charles’ presence won’t be missed much in the receiving corps where the Lions look to continue to be loaded moving forward. However, his work as the gunner on special teams was among the Lions’ improvements in the third phase this season and teammates and coaches spoke highly of his size and speed. That could be missed in the Fiesta Bowl too with Washington's Dante Pettis among the best punter returners in college football.
Defensive coordinator Brent Pry will meet with the media on Wednesday where surely the future of the linebacking corps will be among the talking points.
