Penn State Football’s John Petrishen Transfers To Pitt
Update, August 21: John Petrishen has officially transferred to Pitt, as first reported by John McGonigal of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The former Penn State safety is not yet officially on Pitt’s roster, but he was spotted at practice sporting No. 39 for the Panthers. Pitt’s newest transfer will have reportedly have two years of eligibility with the team. Unsurprisingly, Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi seemed to make a point of not talking about where Petrishen transferred from.
Now living his childhood dream, Petrishen will return to Happy Valley when the Nittany Lions host Pitt for a non-conference match-up on Saturday, September 14.
Update, August 20: John Petrishen has officially announced his intent to leave Penn State football in a statement posted on Twitter released Tuesday night.
“Right before camp started two weeks ago, I informed the Penn State coaching staff of my intentions to leave,” Petrishen wrote. “While this was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, my family and I have decided that this is the best for me. … I believe a fresh start and change of scenery will pay huge dividends in all aspects of my life.”
The safety detailed the “total reconstructive shoulder surgery” he underwent recently — his third surgery or procedure in the past four years. He figured to play a depth role among Penn State’s safeties during the 2019 season along with players like Jonathan Sutherland, Lamont Wade, and junior college transfer Jaquan Brisker.
After graduating from Penn State, Petrishen will have two seasons of football eligibility remaining because he medically redshirted during his time as a Nittany Lion. He said he’s currently weighing his options as far as his future destination is concerned.
Original Story: Penn State football’s new-look secondary might be a bit thinner than expected when the team’s season kicks off against Idaho four weeks from today.
According to a report by Sean Fitz of 247Sports, safety John Petrishen has entered his name to the transfer portal, making him at least the 22nd Nittany Lion to do so during the portal’s first offseason. The redshirt senior has yet to announce anything formally on social media — but as always, entering the portal means he’s only talking to other schools as of now.
Petrishen came to Penn State by way of Pittsburgh’s Central Catholic where he starred as a first-team all-state selection. After playing in only three games during his first two years at Penn State, Petrishen appeared in all 13 contests last season, mainly on special teams. This summer, he was expected to compete with Jonathan Sunderland and Lamont Wade for playing time at safety alongside Garrett Taylor.
News about Petrishen’s potential transfer comes shortly after many realized that defensive lineman Ellison Jordan was no longer listed on Penn State’s roster.
We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.
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