Deion Barnes to ‘bring the best’ out of blue-chip Penn State football commit

On June 24, the Penn State football team gained one of its most valuable commitments of the 2025 recruiting class. Max Granville a blue-chip edge rusher made his pledge to the Nittany Lions which shocked some around the nation. Following his commitment he has provided two reasons behind his decision. The first is scheme fit, and the second is defensive line coach Deion Barnes.

Max Granville made his commitment official last Monday. The four-star defensive end from Sugar Land (Texas) and SEC schools such as Oklahoma and Texas A&M seemed to be leading for his commitment. Following his official visit with the Penn State football team on May 31 he understood why Happy Valley was the right fit. It came down to Nittany Lions defensive line coach Deion Barnes and his style Granville told Ryan Snyder of Blue White Illustrated.

“I want a coach who isn’t afraid to get after me when I need it,” Granville said. “That’s what I need to get better, coach Barnes is going to bring the best of out me.”

Scheme fit also played a role

© Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

The vice president of On3, Steve Wiltfong recently discussed the decision-making process for Granville as well. When the 2025 recruiting class star made his decision it came down to “scheme fit.”

Wiltfong explained, “…But the number one factor, and the reason why Penn State wins out in the recruitment of Max Granville is straight scheme fit.

“They just called the scheme amazing. When I talked to Max about it in the spring, he said it’s the best scheme out of any of his top schools, to be honest. And on his visit to Penn State in the spring they were blown away by sitting down with the coaches, coach Barnes and coach Franklin. And they turn on the film and it’s Penn State’s defense, not just the number one draft picks not just Chop [Robinson] not just Adisa [Isaac] but all the guys making plays behind the line of scrimmage.”

Currently, Penn State has the No. 13 recruiting class in the 2025 cycle according to On3. Granville is the second-highest-rated prospect with a 91.83 rating.

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