Penn State Football: Bowen, Charles No Longer Nittany Lions

Penn State has parted ways with linebacker Many Bowen and wide receiver Irvin Charles ahead of its Fiesta Bowl clash with Washington. Bowen and Charles were removed from the Nittany Lions’ roster, then a team spokesperson confirmed their departures.

Both were dismissed because of an undisclosed violation of team rules.

A starter to begin the season, Bowen had 51 tackles, fourth-best on the team, before he missed the final three games of the 2017 regular season — listed as “not available” due to “a violation of team rules.” In the junior’s three seasons with the team, he played in 30 games and was a regular factor for the defense when he was available.

His troubles began last year after playing each of the 13 games leading up to the postseason. He was suspended for the Rose Bowl with Saeed Blacknall, also due to a violation of team rules.

Charles, a four-star recruit coming out of New Jersey’s Paul VI High School, didn’t reach his expected potential in two active seasons on offense. His 80-yard touchdown reception led a comeback charge against Minnesota in 2016 to kickstart a nine-game winning streak and Big Ten Championship run and later Coach James Franklin would call him ‘maybe the most talented wide receiver I’ve ever been around.’

But that catch against Minnesota was one of only three during his Penn State career. His impact came mostly on special teams, especially punt coverage, where he forced a fumble against Indiana this season.

Penn State faces Washington in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. EST.