Penn State running back Curtis Dukes said the University of Hawaii has expressed interest in him for this season.

Dukes, a 6-foot, 1-inch, 242-pounder, has two years of eligibility remaining and told the Watertown (N.Y.) Daily Times Monday UH was the first school to show interest in him.

Under sanctions imposed by the NCAA Monday, Penn State players are free to transfer this season without having to sit out a year.

Dukes, who is from Evans Mills, N. Y., was the Nittany Lions’ third leading rusher in 2011 averaging 5.8 yards per carry on 41 attempts with one touchdown. He is related to professional basketball player Greg Oden.

UH coach Norm Chow confirmed the Warriors, “are after a couple of guys.”

Chow, who is in Las Vegas today for the Mountain West Conference football preview, said UH assistant coach Chris Demarest, a New Jersey native, has been following the Penn State situation.