Many expected there would be a quarterback controversy next season, but no one expected one of those quarterbacks wouldn't be Matt Senneca.

Senneca announced yesterday that he intends to graduate this summer and will not be returning to the Penn State football team for his final season of eligibility in the 2002 season. The Allentown native said that playing time did not affect his decision.

"Some opportunities have come up for me in my life after football," Senneca said in a press release. "My decision has never been based on playing time or anything like that. I met with (Penn State football) Coach (Joe) Paterno a couple of times and just felt like this was the right thing for me to do."

This past season, Senneca's best performances came in wins over Northwestern and Indiana. On Oct. 20 against the Wildcats, he was 20 for 39 for 234 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions, as well as carrying the ball for 25 yards and two touchdowns in Penn State's 38-35 win. His best effort came against Indiana on Nov. 17 when he led the team to 450 yards in a 28-14 victory.

Although Senneca was his competition, Zack Mills said he liked having him on the team.

"This past season, people probably thought we didn't get along but we became better friends as the season went on," Mills said.

"I'm going to miss him as a friend and as a teammate. He's been around for so long and knows so much about football, and he helped me out so much in my first year of playing," he said.

Despite lack of playing time due to inconsistency and injury, Senneca was still able to contribute valuable leadership to the team, his coaches said.

"We're obviously going to miss his presence around the team and having an older guy," said quarterback coach Jay Paterno. "We've suddenly become a lot younger at quarterback."

There had been speculation as to what role Senneca would play with the team next season. With the job that Mills had done in the starting role and with freshman Michael Robinson's talent, Senneca's future was uncertain.

Coaches and players alike had spoken to Senneca about his future. Mills said the last time the two had spoken, Senneca hadn't made up his mind yet.

Senneca's decision comes on the heels of Jimmy Kennedy's announcement to stay for his final season. Joe Paterno had encouraged Senneca to come back for his final season also.

"Matt has been a great person to have on our squad and has made a great contribution to the program," Joe Paterno said in a press release. "We wanted him to come back. But he has some opportunities after he graduates and felt like it was time to move on."

Paterno will now have to choose from among three quarterbacks, in Mills, Robinson and freshman Chris Ganter.

Jay Paterno thinks that Senneca made the most of his time while at Penn State and handled criticism well.

"The media puts a lot of pressure on student athletes," Jay Paterno said. "He never whined, never pointed a finger at anyone. He was a real credit the way he handled himself."

"I think he's a better quarterback than people ever gave him credit for," he said.