Penn State football looking to edge Manny Diaz, Duke for 2025 WR target

The Penn State football team continues to search for a third wide receiver commitment in the 2025 recruiting class. But the Nittany Lions may not have to look much further. Qeanu Johnson from Connecticut has announced that he’s preparing to make his commitment on Saturday. He will choose between UConn, Duke, and Penn State. Will James Franklin be able to edge ex-Penn State DC and Duke’s head coach Manny Diaz for this talented pass catcher?

Qeanu Johnson is a consensus three-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. From Hamden (Connecticut) Johnson holds offers from schools such as Rutgers, Syracuse, Duke, UConn, and Penn State. But on Saturday, August 3rd he will make his commitment on Instagram to either UConn, Manny Diaz and Duke, or Penn State football.

The Nittany Lions are the favorite to land Johnson, according to On3. With a 30 percent chance according to the RPM Prediction Machine. He has taken five unofficial visits to Happy Valley with the latest coming on June 2. Penn State and Marques Hagans could use another wide receiver in the 2025 cycle and Johnson could very well be that player.

I will be doing my hat selection commitment Saturday, August 3rd at 12:00pm. It will be live streamed on my instagram @ qjohnson.1. Where’s 🏠???? pic.twitter.com/kHvfToTunp

— Qeanu Johnson (@QeanuJ1) July 27, 2024

How do the experts evaluate Johnson?

Syndication: York Daily Record

While some might write Johnson off because of his three-star ranking, the national recruiting experts have high expectations for the versatile receiver. According to 247Sports, they evaluate Johnson as a Power 4 starter. Greg Biggins a National Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports shared his evaluation of Johnson in February.

“Johnson is a two-way player and is getting looks on both sides of the ball right now. He’s a big, strong kid at about 6-1, 190 pounds and scored touchdowns in five different ways as a junior. As a receiver, where he’s primarily being recruited, Johnson caught 33 balls for 584 yards and 11 touchdowns. Added three touchdowns rushing, returned a punt, a kickoff and an interception for scores as well.

“Has a safety frame but a receiver skill set and uses his size and strength to create separation. He’s not a burner but runs well enough and shows good initial quickness off the line. He catches the ball cleanly and does a nice job on 50-50 balls. Working to improve his burst and top end speed and game will take a big jump once he does.”

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