Penn State loses two more: lineman Ryan Buchholz, cornerback Jordan Miner retire

The Nittany Lions have now lost three players in the past week to health concerns.

Starting defensive end Ryan Buchholz and backup cornerback Jordan Miner announced their surprising retirements from football on Wednesday via social media.

Buchholz, a junior, said years of relentless back pain forced the move. A few hours later Minor posted that he's been "diagnosed with a heart condition that will have to put a hold on my football career."

Minor, a freshman, was a three-star recruit from Wiregrass Ranch, Fla.

This comes after backup quarterback Jake Zembiec announced last week that he was giving up football due to chronic injury issues. 

Buchholz is the biggest immediate loss. He was known for his tremendous strength at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds and his versatility. He started six games last season, though he missed much of the second half to injury, including the losses at Ohio State and Michigan State.

"After multiple back surgeries, and the inability to perform at 100 percent at this level, it is time for me to retire," he wrote on Twitter.

"You only have one body and my health and future well-being is most important to me. Unfortunately, some things don't last forever and I am just very thankful for everyone who has helped and supported me throughout my career."

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Buchholz owned the ability to play inside or outside on the line.

"He's probably one of the most versatile players I've had since I've been here," defensive line coach Sean Spencer said this spring. 

Junior Shareef Miller should start at one defensive end spot. The other should be up for grabs between redshirt sophomores Shane Simmons and Shaka Toney and possibly true sophomore Yetur Gross-Matos.

Penn State coaches also said former starting defensive end Torrence Brown will not be ready for the season's beginning. He missed most of last year to injury.

Earlier this spring prized offensive line prospect Nana Asiedu also was forced to quit football because of a heart condition.