Not surprising at all. D1 football programs generally have a lot of rules, and with Penn State having as much scrutiny as it has in recent years, the new coaching staff is known to be strict so as not to create any more “image” problems for the school. The rules violation did not have to be anything sordid – it could be anything from blowing off a summer class/repeatedly not showing for class; to blowing off a few practices/optional workouts; to being out partying when he shouldn’t have been; or underage drinking. It’s not necessary that he did something terrible.
Glad he’s getting a second chance. He’s 1-2 months out of high school, he should get longer to “prove” his commitment to school and football. UMass is a developing program, and I believe the head coach’s son transferred out of PSU to play for his dad – so they have some familiarity with PSU’s program, how they recruit etc.