Penn State Football Player Transfers to Illinois

A Penn State football player has transferred to the University of Illinois. The move comes weeks after the NCAA imposed major sanctions against Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.

According to a statement released by the U of I, freshman offensive lineman Ryan Nowicki showed up to training camp on Sunday, and went through Monday morning's practice with his new teammates.

Nowicki redshirted last year at Penn State during his freshman season, which means he will have four years of eligibility remaining at Illinois. The 6-5, 280-pound lineman, who is originally from Elgin, will be able to play this year.

"This gives Ryan an opportunity to play at the state school of where he lived as a young boy," Illinois head coach Tim Beckman said in the statement. "Ryan grew up in Chicago and still has many family members living in the city. We are glad to have him on our team for this season, and we are excited to see him compete in Rantoul this week."

Nowicki is among nine players who have left Penn State following the NCAA sanctions imposed last month.

U of I assistant coaches were criticized for traveling to Penn State right after the sanctions were announce to talk to players interested in leaving.

Among the penalties leveled against Penn State is a four-year bowl ban.