Update January 21, 3:30 p.m.: Dae’lun Darien announced that he’ll continue his college career at Delaware on Monday afternoon.

“Thank you God and everyone who is there to support me with the decisions I make in my life,” Darien said on Twitter. “The staff at the University of Delaware is giving me an unbelievable opportunity to finish living my dreams and earn TWO degrees!”

Original Story: Redshirt sophomore linebacker Dae’lun Darien announced that he will transfer away from Penn State in order to be closer to his family.

Darien departs Happy Valley after making 16 appearances, mostly on special teams and in a reserve role for Brent Pry’s defensive unit. He recorded four tackles — including two in the Nittany Lions’ 51-6 blowout victory of Pitt at Heinz Field earlier this season — and broke up one pass during his time with Penn State.

The Baltimore native was a three-star prospect coming out of high school, and he was originally recruited by James Franklin and his staff as a wide receiver. He was originally a Temple commit, but he flipped to Penn State in February 2016. The 6’4″ player made the transition to linebacker ahead of spring ball in 2018, but he was used in all situations at times during his Penn State career.

Darien isn’t the first Nittany Lion to announce his intention to transfer since the end of the regular season. Freshman safety Isaiah Humphries and redshirt freshman linebacker Brelin Faison will also not return to the team next season. Humphries’ 2019 destination isn’t known yet, but Faison will go to UNC Charlotte so he can be closer to his family.