Penn State football assistant visits top 40 recruit as DC search intensifies

James Franklin’s search for a replacement for Tom Allen has now entered its second week. But as the hunt – and potential battle – for a new defensive coordinator ramps up, Penn State football assistant coach Anthony Poindexter hit the road Monday to aid the Nittany Lions’ efforts on the recruiting trail.

Poindexter and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith spent Monday in Maryland visiting with Loyola Blakefield defensive back Khary Adams. A four-star, Adams is the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 37 overall prospect for the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports.

Home visit, thanks for coming @CoachTerryPSU @Coachpoindexter @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/0TsUUJ3IbN

— Khary Adams (@KharyAdams6) January 20, 2025

The visit comes as Poindexter is viewed as one of the finalists for the Nittany Lions’ open defensive coordinator position. The fourth-year safeties coach was reportedly interviewed by James Franklin in the days following Tom Allen’s departure for Clemson.

Much attention has recently shifted to Poindexter following Thursday’s news that Penn State football letterman D’Anton Lynn, another frontrunner for the coordinator position, had signed an extension to remain as USC’s defensive play caller.

Given his experience and status as co-defensive coordinator, Poindexter’s elevation would seem like the obvious move at this point in the search. However, the Nittany Lions may have some competition from one of their former kin, as longtime Penn State football assistant and current Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry is also rumored to be interested in Poindexter for the Hokies’ open defensive coordinator role.

While the two only coached together in Happy Valley for one season, Poindexter has plenty of experience in Virginia as a star player and longtime assistant for the Virginia Cavaliers.

If there’s one thing we know about James Franklin, it’s that he runs a tight ship when it comes to his assistant coach searches. Whether it be Poindexter or someone else, things will expectantly be quiet from inside the Lasch Building until a decision is made.

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