STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - A backup linebacker who didn't play in 2012 after becoming the first signee with Penn State since the NCAA announced sanctions has left the Nittany Lions.

Coach Bill O'Brien announced on the team's Twitter account that Brennan Franklin had departed for personal reasons.

The freshman never entered a game for Penn State. A native of Peoria, Ariz., Franklin was set to attend junior college at Eastern Arizona before accepting a last-minute scholarship offer in late July.

He committed to Penn State after the NCAA levied sanctions including scholarship reductions on July 23.

Backup tailback Curtis Dukes also left the team this week, while five freshmen arrived as early enrollees including tight end Adam Breneman.

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