Penn State TE decides to transfer to FSU

TALLAHASSEE — Penn State tight end Kevin Haplea has decided to transfer to Florida State, where the junior can play immediately due to an NCAA ruling that allows Nittany Lions football players to leave State College without taking a redshirt.

Haplea told Lions247.com that he felt "extremely comfortable" with FSU and the coaching staff.

"I was presented with some great situations at FSU and decided that Florida State was an opportunity that I could not pass up," Haplea told Lions247.com. "… I have nothing but respect for Coach O'Brien, the entire support staff, all the great fans and especially all the players. I wish nothing but the best of luck to them in the future."

Last season, Haplea had three catches for 40 yards and caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Matt McGloin in the fourth quarter of a 13-3 win over Iowa.

A native of Annandale, N.J., Haplea will now have two seasons to play at FSU, which was one of a number of schools that offered him a scholarship when he was in high school.

Haplea will compete for playing time along with starting tight end Nick O’Leary and reserves Dan Hicks and Will Tye. Florida State also landed four-star prospect Christo Kourtzidis in February.