Lynch leaving Penn State (VIDEO)

***UPDATE JANUARY 19th, 2016 @ 09:00 EST***

Akeel Lynch’s time in with the Penn State Nittany Lions appears to be over.

This afternoon, the 6’0, 215 pound running back from Toronto, Ontario has announced via Twitter that he will be leaving the NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team after he graduates this spring and play out his fifth and final year of eligibility elsewhere:

Thank you, Penn State. pic.twitter.com/RfaCeLak0W

— Akeel J. Lynch (@ALynch_22) January 13, 2016

 

Lynch is the second Canadian to leave Penn State as last year, ’14 #CFC100 top ranked Michael O’Connor left.  The quarterback eventually ended up with the UBC Thunderbirds where he guided the team to a Vanier Cup victory this past fall over the Montreal Carabins.

CanadaFootballChat.com heard from Lynch on January 19th where he has confirmed that he is NOT joining O’Connor at UBC.  However, he will update the site throughout the process.

The offensive standout just completed his fourth season with the Nittany Lions where he racked up 278 rushing yards on 54 carries and two touchdowns. Back in July, CanadaFootballChat.com reported that he is on the preseason radar for the Walter Doak Award, which is handed out the top running back in the nation.

In 2014, Lynch rushed for 678 yards on 678 yards on 147 carries averaging 4.6 yards per carry.  His longest carry was 47 yards and he also scored four touchdowns for the Nittany Lions. Moreover, Lynch amassed 69 yards on 10 receptions for an average of 6.9 yards per reception.

Previous to the Nittany Lions, the native of Toronto, Ontario enjoyed a successful football career with St.Francis Red Raiders (Buffalo, New York high school team).  During his time with the Red Raiders, Lynch was selected as New York Gatorade Player of the Year in 2011 and was also selected to the First Team All-Western New York squad.  The running back broke school records as he rushed for 2,131 yards on 213 carries and scored 25 touchdowns.

Among the teams Lynch has previously suited up in Canada has included St.Michael’s Kerry Blues of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) and the Toronto Jr. Argos of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).