Wide receiver Curtis Drake is one of four players who did not travel with the football team to Dallas for the TicketCity Bowl, a team spokesman posted on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, citing interim coach Tom Bradley.
Jeff Nelson, the team’s sports information director, also posted that wide receiver Shawney Kersey, quarterback Paul Jones and cornerback Derrick Thomas also missed the trip.
Bradley told reporters in Dallas that Drake, a third-year sophomore who took some direct snaps out of the Wildcat package, stayed home because of personal reasons. Drake was involved in a Dec. 17 locker room fight with starting quarterback Matt McGloin that resulted in McGloin suffering a seizure and concussion-like symptoms. No charges were filed in connection with the incident.
Bradley told reporters McGloin did not practice Tuesday and is being evaluated by team doctors daily. McGloin said last week he’s expecting to play Jan. 2 against Houston, but if he isn’t cleared to practice this week, it’s unlikely he’ll play.
If McGloin must sit, sophomore Rob Bolden would start, but depth would be an issue. Jones, a redshirt freshman who missed the entire season because he was academically ineligible, could have played in the bowl game had his overall grade point average been above a 2.0. Nelson tweeted both Jones and Thomas missed the trip because of academic reasons.
Kersey, a redshirt sophomore, also stayed home for personal reasons, Bradley said. Kersey almost left the program a year ago. His request to be released from his scholarship was granted, according to a report by Lions247.com, a Penn State football website. Kersey ultimately decided to return this season but has seen limited playing time.
