Penn State football lands top 2024 EDGE target over Big Ten rivals

On Saturday, the long wait for the epic clash between Penn State football and Ohio State will finally be over. But on Monday, the Nittany Lions received some much-awaited news on the recruiting trail. Those following the recruitment of top 2024 EDGE target Jaylen Harvey know that the saga has been filled with many twists and turns. The top prospect appeared primed and ready to commit to James Franklin and the Nittany Lions over the summer, only to push his commitment date back to October. Primarily a three-way race between Penn State, USC, and Maryland, at long last, Harvey announced his commitment this evening. And the winner is: Penn State.

Recruiting saga of top Penn State target Jaylen Harvey comes to an end

From Quince Orchard High School, Jaylen Harvey is a top-10 prospect in Maryland and a top 40 EDGE nationally in the 2024 cycle, according to On3. The top 2024 EDGE target has been on the Nittany Lions’ big board for quite some time, picking up an offer from Penn State football in April 2022.

Well within the Penn State recruiting geographical footprint, it seemed like Harvey was destined to be a Nittany Lion. Coming off his official visit in June, Harvey was predicted by several major recruiting services to commit to Penn State. The top 2024 EDGE target had a commitment date set for July 4, but delayed his decision several times as it was believed programs like USC and Maryland were gaining ground.

Top 2024 EDGE announces commitment decision

Penn State football was the last program to make a big impression on Harvey. The final unofficial visit of his recruiting process was to Happy Valley for the White Out versus Iowa. Coming into today, six 247Sports recruiting experts had crystal balls for Harvey to commit to Penn State. On3 has the top 2024 EDGE target as a heavy lean to the Nittany Lions. However, Scott Schrader of On3’s We Are SC logged a prediction for Harvey to commit to USC last week.

But now, the speculation is over. With his commitment announced tonight, Jaylen Harvey is expected to play his college ball in Happy Valley for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

James Franklin is putting together a solid class for the 2024 cycle. Penn State football currently ranks No. 12 in the 247Sports composite recruiting rankings for 2024. Several Nittany Lions received a considerable boost in 247Sports’ rankings update last week. Penn State QB commit Ethan Grunkemeyer jumped into the top 100 prospects nationally, while TE Luke Reynolds became the Nittany Lions’ first five-star for the cycle.

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