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BREAKING: Penn State football flips top 10 in-state prospect from Manny Diaz, Duke

James Franklin has come out on top against former Penn State football assistant Manny Diaz, flipping one of the top in-state prospects away from Duke and into the Nittany Lions’ 2025 class.

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9 months ago

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Penn State football, Manny Diaz, James Franklin, Cam Smith, Duke
Sep 23, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts from the sideline during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Iowa 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State football flexed its muscle in Keystone State recruiting Thursday afternoon, flipping one of the top in-state prospects for the 2025 cycle. James Franklin and the Nittany Lions earned a commitment from St. Joseph’s Prep linebacker Cam Smith, plucking the four-star prospect from the class of former Penn State assistant Manny Diaz and Duke.

“I appreciate the opportunity that the coaches at Duke have given me, and I still hold strong feelings about them, but in the end, I’ve decided to flip to Penn State as I believe it’s the spot most suited for me,” Smith wrote on social media. “[I’m] grateful for my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for this next chapter.”

Cam Smith committed to Duke in February, two months after Manny Diaz left Happy Valley to take the head job in Durham. But James Franklin and Penn State football continued to pursue the Salem, New Jersey, standout throughout the spring and summer.

The Nittany Lions hosted Smith for the first time in five months two weeks ago for the annual Lasch Bash. Smith joins the Nittany Lions’ 2025 class as the No. 26 linebacker in the country and the No. 8 player in Pennsylvania per the On3 Industry Rankings.

Smith joins Alex Tatsch, Dayshaun Burnett, and LaVar Arrington II as the other linebackers pledged to Penn State for the upcoming cycle. Between Tatsch, Smith, and Burnett, the Nittany Lions now have three of the top four in-state linebackers for the 2025 class committed.

Penn State football currently holds the No. 16 class in 2025, according to On3.

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Matt is a co-owner and Editor of Basic Blues Nation. Launched in 2022, Basic Blues Nation is one of the fastest-growing websites covering all Penn State athletics. Matt is also a credentialed member of the Penn State football beat, and is a member of the Football Writers Association of America.

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