Penn State Football: Tight End Matt Lehman’s Future Uncertain

Tight end Matt Lehman will be honored this weekend alongside the rest of Penn State’s senior class but could be back next season according to head coach Bill O’Brien.

“I think that’s probably more a just in case deal,” O’Brien said on Tuesday. “We’re still waiting to hear on his application for a sixth year. That’s a just in case. I think that any guy, I just did this last year, I think it’s a special thing when you get introduced in front of the home crowd. So I want these guys, if this is their last home game, to have that opportunity because I think it’s a special thing. It’s a special stadium.

“Again, I hate to use the word hope.  I’m not a big fan of that word sometimes, but I’m hoping that it’s a great crowd.  I think these kids deserve a great crowd, so I wanted to make sure he got introduced.”

Lehman was ruled out for the remainder of the season following a non contact injury during Penn State’s season opening game against Syracuse at MetLife Stadium. It was later ruled a ACL tear in his left knee.

“Any time you have the type of player or person that Matt Lehman is go down, it’s not good. It’s not good,” O’Brien said the week following the injury. “I just absolutely love guys like that who overcame the odds. He comes here, he tries out and a year later he’s on scholarship.”

Lehman has registered 26 catches, 3 touchdowns, and 313 yards in his career while at Penn State. The senior will be able to expand on that total if the NCAA clears him for an additional year of eligibility. But in case that doesn’t happen, Lehman will be honored this weekend for his hard work and dedication to the Penn State program.