Can Penn State football land the #1 2024 JUCO prospect?

Throughout the past few seasons, the Penn State football team has found success by dipping into the junior college talent pool. Especially with Lackawanna Community College which has produced Penn State safeties Jaquan Brisker and Ji’Ayir Brown who are both in the NFL now. Now, the Nittany Lions and defensive backs coach Terry Smith is looking to secure another JUCO player in Sione Laulea that has superstar potential.

Penn State Football is pursuing the #1 JUCO player in the 2024 Class

Sione Laulea is a four-star cornerback who attends the College of San Mateo located in San Mateo, CA. He is currently listed as the No. 1 JUCO player in the country and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2024 class according to 247sports. He stands at 6’4 and has the perfect length and speed to be an elite cornerback at the FBS level. Sione Laulea currently holds offers from schools such as USC, Miami, Oregon, Flordia State, Oklahoma, and Penn State.

He also took an official visit to Penn State back on June 2nd and the photos from his official visit are incredible. Featuring photos with Penn State HC James Franklin and DB coach Terry Smith.

Had a very special weekend with @PennStateFball on my official visit!! Hospitality and program is outstanding, thank you for opening up to me and mines!! #WeAre #Ogisdbu #Csmisdbu@coachTcsm @Ogthetruth @Coach_Sekona @CSM_Football @CoachTerryPSU @coachjfranklin @BrandonHuffman pic.twitter.com/VBJnba1Pu3

— Sione Laulea lll (@TheRealSione04) June 5, 2023

The Nittany Lions are going to have to battle to secure this commitment. Especially in the NIL space against Miami and USC, but if they can provide a solid package for Laulea and show him the track record that Penn State has with helping JUCO players not only get on the field at the FBS level but also into the NFL.

Sione Laulea would be part of a new look secondary for Penn State in 2024

If Terry Smith and the Penn State coaching staff can land Laulea, he would be part of a very different looking secondary in 2024. With potential 2024 first-round NFL draft pick Kalen King most likely leaving Penn State to pursue the NFL, plus Johnny Dixon and Daequan Hardy going into their senior year in 2023; the Nittany Lions will have a complete makeover at cornerback.

Players that will need to step up this season to prepare for 2024 include Cam Miller, Elliot Washington, and Mississippi State transfer Audavion Collins to contribute on some level this fall.

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