New Penn State football commit lights up season opener with multi-touchdown performance

High school football returned to the Keystone State this week, but new Nittany Lions pledge Kemon Spell needed no time to shake off the rust. The McKeesport running back and Penn State football commit started his sophomore season on a high note Friday evening, showing why he’s recently been tabbed as one of the nation’s top prospects in the 2027 recruiting class.

Spell rushed for three scores against Lake (Ohio) on Friday night, including a 55-yard touchdown run to open the scoring for McKeesport.

KEMON SPELL TD!

The sophomore would not be denied as he puts McKeesport on the board with the 55-yd score. pic.twitter.com/9vtEsd6N3m

— Nathan Breisinger (@NateBreisinger) August 23, 2024

“It’s always the end zone; I’m always looking for the touchdown,” Spell told Pittsburgh Sports Now following the game. “I can’t do it without my guys up front, though. I need my line to get me where I’m at right now, and I want to thank them for getting me in the end zone every play.”

Too easy for Kemon Spell.

He scores for two-yards out for his second TD of the day.

McKeesport — 14
Lake — 7 pic.twitter.com/x1ufcDY23v

— Nathan Breisinger (@NateBreisinger) August 23, 2024

Despite Spell’s dominant effort, McKeesport ultimately lost 36-35 in double overtime at the KDKA Kickoff Classic at Wolvarena, Turtle Creek.

“You can’t put your head down on one loss; we got 10 more games to go,” Spell said. “We can still make it to where we got to go.”

Kemon Spell: Penn State is “where I wanted to be”

© Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

It’s been quite a month for Kemon Spell, who became the first commitment for Penn State football in the 2027 recruiting cycle on August 2. Less than three weeks later, the WPIAL standout was named the No. 1 running back in the class and the No. 7 recruit in the nation by On3.

“It’s a lot. Being number one, it’s very special to me,” said Spell. “I imagined all this growing up. That’s what I wanted to do. And Penn State: love the coaches; that’s where I wanted to be. Love them all up there. Love Coach Franklin. It’s just where I wanted to be at the moment.”

Spell remains the Nittany Lions’ only commitment in the 2027 recruiting cycle. James Franklin and Penn State football currently have 81 offers entended to 2027 prospects, according to On3. 

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned, community-operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media.