The graduation of placekicker Kevin Kelly could provide redshirt sophomore Ryan Breen with an opportunity to take on a larger role on special teams this season. Breen had the chance to kick off twice in 2008. He will look to battle junior Collin Wagner and true freshman Anthony Fera for the chance to handle placements and kickoffs this fall. A good athlete with a strong leg, Breen also serves as the top reserve to senior punter Jeremy Boone. The former Clarkston HS standout joins Chris Colasanti and DeOn[apos]tae Pannell as Nittany Lions from Michigan.
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2008 Sophomore Season
With kicking duties in the hands of All-Big Ten standouts Jeremy Boone and Kevin Kelly, Breen had limited opportunities to get onto the field. Breen was called on to kick off twice in the win over Coastal Carolina.
High School
Breen was a punter and kicker for Coach Kurt Richardson at Clarkston HS. He earned honorable-mention all-state honors, was selected the All-Oakland County placekicker and the all-league punter. Breen averaged 41 yards per punt as a senior, with a long of 72 yards. He booted 31 kickoffs into the end zone. Breen also played baseball, basketball and was on the track and field squad.
Personal
Full name is Ryan Timothy Breen. He is the son of Patrick and Nancy Breen. He has two older brothers, Kevin and Andrew. Kevin played football at Tiffin University and Kevin was on the track and field and cross country teams at Eastern Michigan University. Breen enjoys the outdoors, including playing sports and fishing. Breen is a kinesiology major and would like to pursue a career as a physical education teacher. Born July 22, 1988 in Pontiac, Mich.