Penn State is a long way from North Texas in more ways than one when it comes to the college football world — from the physical distance to the level of the conferences they play in.
The ripple effect from the sanctions the NCAA handed down today could reach all the way to Denton, though.
Penn State was hit hard with scholarship reductions, a bowl ban and fines.
That will give the recruits who are set to sign with Penn State this February a lot to think about, including Florida defensive back Neiko Robinson, who committed to Penn State over offers from UNT, UAB and South Alabama.
Robinson told ESPN that he is still committed to Penn State, but would have to look at other options
UNT could be among those options. The Mean Green has just one defensive back committed for its 2013 class thus far.
The other potential impact the Penn State penalties could have on UNT is that Penn State players will be able to transfer without penalty. Penn State commissioner Jim Delany told the Indianapolis Star that his inclination is to let Penn State players transfer to other Big Ten schools.
My guess is that most Penn State players remain with the team, but it’s not too big of a stretch to think that a few might land at other schools in the region, especially if they are backups looking for more playing time. UNT has Ball State and Ohio on the schedule for 2013. Both schools seem like they would be in prime position to pick up a Penn State player or two if there is a mass exodus from the school. That would be even more true if the Big Ten changes course and decides to not allow players to transfer within the conference.