Dowrey, a freshman defensive lineman with the Nittany Lions, will remain at Penn State despite stiff sanctions levied against the football program by the NCAA in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex scandal.

All current Penn State players currently have the option to transfer without penalty to other schools.

Dowrey, his family, and all current Penn State families took part in a conference call this week with head coach Bill O'Brien in which O'Brien reaffirmed his commitment to the program.

According to Dowrey's family, Derek already had his mind made up prior to that call.

During that call the family and players learned of the program's plan to schedule a 13th regular season game in a location like Hawaii or Southern California to replace the bowl experience that will be missing over the next four years.

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