Penn State football commits flash under Friday night lights

Kickoff for Penn State football is still a week away. But several future Nittany Lions are already entertaining us in high school action across the region. From another stellar performance from Ethan Grunkemeyer to the dominant duo showing of Anthony Speca and Peter Gonzalez to a potential future superstar in Messiah Mickens, Penn State football commits lit up the Friday night showcase last evening.

Future Penn State QB Ethan Grunkemeyer does it again

Penn State football may have several hidden gems in the class of 2024. But none may be as significant to the program’s future as QB Ethan Grunkemeyer. After throwing for over 400 yards and four scores in Week 1 action, Grunkemeyer was at it again last night.

This time, Grunkemeyer’s Olentangy Braves took on a familiar opponent for Nittany Lions fans – Medina High School, the alma mater of expected Penn State starting QB Drew Allar.

Grunkemeyer looked like a future Power Five starting QB in his own right last night. Although Olentangy’s game plan focused on the run, Grunkemeyer came up clutch when it was a one-score game in the second half.

By the recounting of Ryan Synder of On3, Grunkemeyer had rushing and passing touchdowns in the third quarter to put the game away for a 53-28 win. Below, you can see Grunkemyer’s beautiful 28-yard touchdown pass.

Grunkemeyer's 28-yard touchdown pass pic.twitter.com/xFptMOAeHz

— Ryan Snyder (@RyanSnyderOn3) August 26, 2023

Anthony Speca and Peter Gonzalez shine for Pittsburgh Central Catholic

Nittany Lions fans in western Pennsylvania saw a dominant showing from a pair of Penn State commits on the Pittsburgh Central Catholic roster. Peter Gonzalez and Anthony Speca led the way for Central Catholic on both sides of the ball.

Gonzalez, a three-star WR, had two touchdowns in the season opener last night. Below, you can see the latter, a 54-yard bomb over the middle to put Central up 22 at halftime.

On the other side of the ball, Speca looked poise to carry on the tradition of incredible LBs from western Pennsylvania to come to Happy Valley. Central Catholic held its opponent, Woodland Hills, to one score in a 43-7 blowout.

Peter Gonzalez gets his second TD of the game pic.twitter.com/4kxpe3AwAv

— T-FrankOn3 (@ThomasFrankCarr) August 26, 2023

Messiah Mickens has the makings of a future star

Even with all the great performances last night, it was the newest Penn State commit with the best showing. This, of course, is 2026 RB Messiah Mickens.

Mickens, the projected No. 1 player in Pennsylvania for the 2026 cycle, led the way in Trinity High School’s 49-12 win over Delone Catholic. The sophomore finished with 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Mickens also added a 66-yard touchdown catch, which you can see here.

Messiah Mickens to the house. Again. pic.twitter.com/pHFCKztFXP

— Mark Clarke (@OldHeadHoops) August 25, 2023

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