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Penn State football recruiting: April success leaves Nittany Lions in a desirable spot

The Nittany Lions’ class is one of the best in the nation right now.

Published

4 weeks ago

May 1, 2023

Penn State football recruiting, 2024 recruiting class

Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands with the team before taking the field prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Penn State football recruiting class for 2024 is off to a strong start. As of May 1st, James Franklin and his staff have secured 13 hard commits, placing the class in the top-5 nationally and top-3 in the Big Ten. The early success is encouraging, but the team must continue to work hard to maintain their position. With a promising group of recruits already committed, the class is well-positioned to defend its ranking and potentially climb even higher.

Penn State football recruiting is taking off in the 2024 recruiting class

Penn State football’s 2024 recruiting class is off to an impressive start with 13 hard commits, including eight four-stars and five three-stars. The Nittany Lions are also in the running for several other highly-ranked targets. However, for Penn State, the ultimate goal is to bring home a national title, something they haven’t accomplished since 1986. The blue-chip recruits who have committed to Happy Valley are aware of this goal, and from the looks of things, it is a major factor in the Lions’ recruiting success.

While May is typically a quieter month for college football recruiting, Penn State is not letting up. They have several high-profile visitors lined up for June, and they are also looking to secure more commitments before then.

Being in the top-5 nationally is a positive sign for Penn State, but the Big Ten competition is fierce, with Michigan and Ohio State currently ranked higher. If the Nittany Lions want to compete within the conference, their focus should be on their Big Ten ranking. Nevertheless, it is still early in the recruiting process, and Penn State has plenty of time to improve their ranking. Currently, they trail only LSU, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State, and a strong showing over the summer could help them move up the rankings.

Top commits so far

Penn State football has already secured 13 hard commits in their 2024 recruiting class, with the majority being four-star prospects, including some of the top-ranked recruits in the region. Three of the top-four recruits in the state of Wisconsin have also committed to the Nittany Lions, all of whom are four-stars and expected to make a significant impact on the field.

It’s evident that Penn State is prioritizing the ground game in their 2024 recruiting class, with their top commits all being offensive linemen or running backs. Quinton Martin, the No. 1 recruit in Pennsylvania and the No. 34 player nationally, leads the class and has the potential to become a five-star recruit. Offensive guards Donovan Harbour (WI) and Cooper Cousins (PA) and cornerback Jon Mitchell (FL) are also ranked in the top 200 nationally.

The most recent addition to the class, four-star running back Corey Smith (WI), is an exciting prospect who should complement Martin in the backfield. The Nittany Lions’ current running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton could also provide a blueprint for Smith and Martin.

Although the 2024 recruiting class is still in its early stages, Penn State football has made an impressive start on the recruiting trail and is currently is a desirable position heading into the month of May.

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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.