A Penn State lineman is medically retiring from football but will remain with the Nittany Lions as a student assistant.

Blake Zalar, who joined the team in 2019 as a walk-on, shared the news on his Facebook account this week.

“The hardest decision I have ever made in my entire life.I recently have decided to Medically Retire from football,” Zalar wrote. “Impending a third surgical procedure in a year, I believe it is best for me to shift my priorities and take care of my health for my future.”

Zalar wrote that he has accepted a role as an Undergraduate Assistant working with the offensive line, “specifically centers.”

An Academic All-Big Ten selection the past 2 seasons, Zalar made his first career game appearance against Rutgers on Nov. 20. The coaching staff recognized him with multiple Developmental Squad Offensive Player of the Week awards in his 3-year career.