Penn State senior wide receiver Justin Brown will become a Sooner, perhaps joining the team as soon as Monday, according to a report by ESPN and confirmed by the Tulsa World.
ESPN’s Joe Schad reported on Saturday that Brown will transfer from Penn State. Brown has one season of eligibility and can play immediately for the Sooners. Brown is the ninth player to transfer from Penn State since the NCAA leveled heavy sanctions against the program July 23.
Tulsa World reporter Guerin Emig followed that report with his own, stating that an “OU source” had confirmed Brown has told Oklahoma coaches he will be transferring.
At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Brown instantly becomes the biggest receiver on Oklahoma’s roster. He was Penn State’s second-leading receiver last season, grabbing 35 catches for 517 yards and two touchdowns. He was the Nittany Lions’ most experienced returning receiver.
Brown ends his Penn State career with 1,047 receiving yards. He was also dynamic as a returner, ranking 36th nationally in punt returns in 2011.
Brown reportedly visited Norman last weekend. Brown will immediately compete for a starting job as wide receiver.
But maybe just as important, Brown could add something to Oklahoma’s return team, which has been less than stellar in recent years.
Ryan Broyles was a playmaker on punt return, but his season-ending knee injury last year ended that.
Kickoff returns have been more of a problem. The Sooners ranked No. 65 in kick returns last season, using a combination of Trey Franks, Roy Finch and Brennan Clay. Oklahoma has not returned a kick for a touchdown since 2007.
By contrast, Brown has been an effective punt returner for the Nittany Lions. As the team’s primary punt returner, he ranked 36th in the country last season. Brown also returned punts for Penn State as a sophomore in 2010. He did not return any kickoffs for Penn State.
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