Penn State football RB commit shuts down recruitment amid SEC flip reports

It’s that time of year when key decisions are made on the recruiting trail. For some prospects, it’s the initial decision that is made over the summer, for others it’s considering their options after a decision has been made. Amid reports that Penn State football 2025 recruiting class running back commit Kiandrea Barker would consider flipping to Arkansas, he reconfirmed his pledge to the Nittany Lions on Thursday and shut down his recruitment.

Penn State football RB commit shuts down recruitment

Kiandrea Barker made his commitment to the Penn State football team on April 16, 2023. Since then, the Nittany Lions have added two other running backs to the 2025 recruiting class. The Keystone State’s very own Tiqwai Hayes and Alvin Henderson from Alabama.

With Penn State adding more running backs to the room, some wondered if one player would look to commit elsewhere. On Wednesday Steve Wiltfong of On3 confirmed that was a potential mutual interest between Barker and Arkansas. However, on Thursday Barker made it clear that he wasn’t going to decommit from Penn State, with a post on social media.

“I want to thank all of the coaches who have recruited me along this process, and all the Penn State coaches/staff that’s been showing me love since day one, with that said I want to officially announce that all recruitment is shutdown for me and I’m all in 110%.”

I want to thank all the coaches who have recruited me along this process , and all the penn state coaches/ staff that’s been showing love since day with that being said I want to officially announce that all recruitment is shut down for me and I’m all in 110% #weare🦁 pic.twitter.com/23Ha83TNKb

— Kiandrea Barker (@KiandreaBarker) June 6, 2024

Barker’s change in future plans

Barker is a three-star prospect and was originally going to team up with fellow Nittany Lion commit Bekkem Kritza at Miami Central this fall. However, Barker chose to return home to Beebe, Arkansas for his senior season. Thus leading to mutual interest from the Razorbacks.

The Penn State football team holds the No. 16 recruiting class in the 2025 cycle. But with official visits well underway, the Nittany Lions are hopeful tha they can build on that ranking.

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