Blomgren transfers to get more playing time

Travis Blomgren decided there's a place in this world for everyone, but Penn State wasn't where he belonged.

Unhappy with a number of things, including a lack of playing time, the Nittany Lions' backup safety decided to transfer to Div. I-AA Delaware earlier this week. A redshirt freshman this season, Blomgren saw limited action in 1998 at the end of a few games at safety and also on special teams.

After pondering the move for a few months, Blomgren decided waiting to enter the Penn State lineup was a waste of time.

"It wasn't just something I just thought of right away," he said yesterday from his home in Chalfont. "I put a lot of thought into it. I'd rather move on and play than stick around and regret it."

Since Div. I-AA Delaware is a level below Div. I-A Penn State, Blomgren will be eligible to play for the Blue Hens this fall. He said Delaware coach Tubby Raymond wants to play him on defense and special teams.

"I pretty much told him I'd play anywhere," Blomgren said. "I waited two years at Penn State, and now I'm ready to play."

Blomgren, 20, said other reasons he decided to leave Penn State was dissatisfaction with the weightlifting program and a lack of communication between him and the coaching staff. He said both of those situations appear to be much better at Delaware.

A standout at Central Bucks West High School, Blomgren was part of a highly-touted recruiting class two years ago. Blomgren was a three-year starter at defensive back and quarterback who earned various All-American honors, along with player-of-the-year accolades from the Maxwell Club, the Philadelphia Eagles Alumni and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

-- by Don Stewart