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Penn State football recruiting: 3 possible replacements for Michael Van Buren

Here are three potential replacements that Penn State football could pursue if Michael Van Buren commits elsewhere, which he is expected to do.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 7, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football recruiting, Michael Van Buren, four-star quarterback replacements

Oct 9, 2021; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Things have been going well for Penn State football recruiting when it comes to the 2024 cycle. So far, the Nittany Lions lay claim to a top-6 class nationally, with 13 hard commits and counting heading into the summer recruiting period. That being said, Penn State recently lost a lot of momentum with four-star QB target Michael Van Buren, a top-ranked quarterback target out of Maryland, who is now trending towards the Oregon Ducks. With the team’s previous QB1 likely headed elsewhere, here are three replacement targets that Penn State appears to be trending towards.

Penn State football recruiting: Samaj Jones a possible replacement QB1 for the Nittany Lions

According to the 247 Sports composite rankings, Jones is ranked as the No. 20 quarterback in the class and the No. 8 recruit in Pennsylvania. On3 is also high on Samaj Jones, ranking him as a top-15 quarterback in the nation and a top-5 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class.

While Jones is ranked lower than Van Buren in the overall rankings, he is still a four-star composite quarterback and is the top QB target in the state of Pennsylvania. He brings a 5-foot-11, 203-pound frame to the table, which is unorthodox for a starting QB, though that is not necessarily a bad thing — his potential is sky-high, and being a PA kid, Penn State football likely has a pretty good shot at landing him if they choose to go all out in his recruitment. If Penn State loses Van Buren, I expect Samaj Jones to be the new QB1 for Penn State in this class.

Four-star QB Jayden Bradford (IMG Academy, FL)

Another possible option for Penn State football could be four-star quarterback Jayden Bradford out of IMG Academy in Florida. Bradford is a 247 Sports composite four-star, and is ranked among the top 20 quarterbacks nationally at No. 18. He is also ranked as the No. 54 recruit in Florida, and could easily become a top target for Penn State football recruiting given his strong interest in the program.

According to 247, Penn State is the only team that is warm in Bradford’s recruitment and holds the only crystal ball that has been placed thus far. Bradford only ranks a few sports lower than four-star Michael Van Buren, though he has a nearly identical frame and arguably plays at a better school right now.

Three-star QB Ethan Grunkemeyer (Olentangy, OH)

One of the most recent Penn State football recruiting offers that was sent out was received by three-star composite quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer of Ohio. While Ethan Grunkemeyer may be one of the lower-ranked quarterback targets on Penn State’s radar, he is quite talented and has a few major Power 5 offers thus far.

Ethan Grunkemeyer is a 2024 three-star quarterback (according to the On3 Industry Rankings) and is ranked as the No. 44 quarterback in the class and the No. 26 recruit in the state of Ohio. He has shown great interest in Penn State football, which could escalate further in May when he makes a return trip to State College for a fourth visit with the coaching staff, scheduled for May 20th.

Grunkemeyer has received notable offers thus far, including from other Big Ten schools like Northwestern and Minnesota, as well as Ivy League programs like Princeton and Yale. Although he may not be Penn State football’s first-choice QB, Grunkemeyer is a solid prospect from Ohio and is gaining some national attention.

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Penn State football recruiting: A four-star 2025 quarterback to keep an eye on

Penn State football is trending with the No. 1 recruit in Massachusetts, a four-star quarterback target.

Published

9 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football recruiting, Blake Herbert

Oct 5, 2019; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on before a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Just over two weeks ago, Penn State football recruiting locked down a commitment from 2024 quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. Since then, the Nittany Lions have already started establishing early interest with a number of 2025 quarterback targets, including four-star QB target Blake Herbert, who has expressed quite a bit of interest in the program since his visit earlier this month.

Penn State football recruiting trending with four-star QB in 2025 class

Ethan Grunkemeyer is the perfect quarterback commit for Penn State football in the 2024 recruiting class. He is a strong-arm recruit from Ohio with the same QB coach as Drew Allar and should continue to rise in the rankings, potentially becoming a top recruit in the class by the time National Signing Day rolls around.

Nonetheless, the Nittany Lions need a 2025 quarterback, and while the class is still a ways away, Penn State appears to be in the lead with another regional QB who possesses a strong arm.

Interest appears to be mutual between the Nittany Lions and Blake Herbert

A successful weekend visit in mid-May turned into a scholarship offer to join the 2025 Penn State football recruiting class for Blake Herbert, the No. 1 recruit in Maryland. His recruitment is young, but the Nittany Lions have clearly made a great early impression and currently lead in his recruitment, according to the ON3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, by nearly 20%.

According to the newest rankings, Blake Herbert is a four-star quarterback target, ranking as the No. 187 recruit in the class, the No. 13 quarterback in the nation, and the top recruit in the state of Massachusetts.

It’s too early to tell where Herbert will ultimately commit or how aggressively Penn State football will pursue his commitment, but there is clearly mutual interest in the early stages, and Herbert is a significant name for Penn State fans to keep an eye on as the 2025 class draws nearer.

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Penn State football fans should keep an eye on major Michigan target next weekend

Penn State football fans should hope that a major recruit doesn’t commit to Michigan next weekend.

Published

17 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football fans, Michigan, Brian Robinson

Oct 15, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) is hit by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Taylor Upshaw (91) as he passes in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Next weekend, a major Penn State football recruiting target is slated to be in Ann Arbor. Brian Robinson, a four-star defensive end prospect from Ohio, is set to visit with Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines on June 2nd. Penn State fans should have a lot of interest in his visit — if he leaves Ann Arbor without committing, Penn State still has a fighting chance.

Major Michigan official visit that Penn State football fans should keep an eye on

Brian Robinson is a highly sought-after recruit for the Penn State football program. Currently ranked No. 7 in the nation in the team composite rankings, the Nittany Lions have their eyes set on Robinson as both Michigan (ranked 2nd) and Ohio State (ranked 3rd) currently lead Penn State in the rankings. Robinson’s value to James Franklin and his staff is immense; if Penn State can successfully recruit this four-star prospect, it could kick off the summer with a big win.

At the moment, the Michigan Wolverines and Kentucky Wildcats appear to be leading in Robinson’s recruitment. However, if he leaves Ann Arbor without committing next weekend, Penn State football fans should feel optimistic about the Nittany Lions’ chances.

Penn State’s visit is scheduled for two weeks after, and being the third in line for Robinson’s official visits may not be the most ideal situation, but the upcoming weekend should provide valuable insights into Penn State’s standing.

According to the ON3 Industry Rankings, Brian Robinson is a four-star defensive end in the 2024 recruiting class. He is ranked as the No. 175 recruit in the country, the No. 12 defensive end in the 2024 class, and the No. 6 recruit in the state of Ohio.

As I hinted before, Michigan appears to have a solid lead in his recruitment. However, Penn State football fans should keep a close eye on his visit to Ann Arbor on June 2nd, hoping that he holds off on making a commitment until he visits State College.

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Penn State football facing important visit with top 20 linebacker next weekend

Penn State football is trending with a top 20 linebacker ahead of his pending official visit.

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football recruiting, Chris Cole, official visit

Aug 31, 2019; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Brandon Smith (12) reacts after sacking Idaho Vandals quarterback Mason Petrino (8) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Idaho 79-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Next weekend will kick off the official visit slate for the 2024 Penn State football recruiting efforts. With tons of momentum, including 14 commits and the 7th-ranked overall class, the Nittany Lions appear to be in good shape for the time being. From June 2nd-4th, a number of the nation’s top recruits will be in State College. However, one stands out at first glance: 2024 four-star linebacker Chris Cole out of Salem High School in Virginia.

Penn State football recruiting trending with four-star linebacker

Penn State football boasts the prestigious title of “Linebacker U,” and for good reason. Over the years, including the James Franklin era, few schools (if any) have produced NFL-ready linebackers the way the Nittany Lions have. In fact, current sophomore linebacker Abdul Carter appears to be next in line to establish himself among the greats to play linebacker in the Blue and White.

Next weekend, Penn State football has a huge opportunity with four-star linebacker Chris Cole, who is currently a Virginia Tech lean according to the Recruiting Prediction Machine. Still, the Nittany Lions are close behind and could establish themselves as a top contender with a successful official visit.

According to the ON3 industry rankings, Cole is a four-star linebacker target, ranking as the No. 189 recruit in the country, the No. 20 linebacker in his class, and the No. 3 recruit in the state of Virginia.

The good news for the Nittany Lions ahead of official visit season

The good news for Penn State football is that no one does official visits like James Franklin and his coaching staff. One of the things that gives Penn State an edge during this time of year is Franklin’s ability to get high-profile recruits on campus and lock down major interest. If the Nittany Lions can work some of that magic this weekend, Cole may wind up in the Blue and White, just like many great linebackers before him.