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Penn State football recruiting: Nittany Lions named a finalist for four-star linebacker

Penn State football is looking to uphold its status of ‘Linebacker U’ with another major recruiting pick-up.

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Penn State football recruiting, four-star linebacker recruit, Elias Rudolph
Oct 31, 2020; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Brandon Smith (12) celebrates after sacking Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK

Currently, the 2024 Penn State football recruiting class holds a commendable 6th position in the national rankings, albeit trailing behind the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines (1) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (2). However, with the summer approaching, head coach James Franklin still has ample time to make significant strides in recruiting and remain competitive with other prominent teams in the Big Ten. Excitingly, the Nittany Lions received noteworthy recognition today as they were named finalists in the pursuit of Elias Rudolph, a highly sought-after four-star linebacker recruit from Florida.

Penn State football recruiting named a finalist for four-star linebacker recruit out of Florida

Elias Rudolph recently revealed his five finalists for his commitment, and Penn State football recruiting successfully made the cut, alongside some formidable rivals. Joining the Nittany Lions as contenders are Michigan, Ohio State, Pitt, and Cincinnati. This exciting development brings renewed optimism to Penn State football, especially given the program’s esteemed national reputation as the renowned “Linebacker U.”

Interestingly, despite being a highly regarded four-star prospect at a Florida high school, all five of Rudolph’s finalists hail from the Midwest. The competition for his recruitment is expected to intensify as the three major Big Ten programs make their pitches throughout the summer. At the moment, it seems that the Wolverines hold a slight advantage in the race.

Rudolph’s rankings and ratings

Rudolph’s outstanding abilities as a linebacker have garnered widespread recognition, and he is widely regarded as one of the top players in his position, according to the 247 Sports rankings. Currently, 247 designates Rudolph as a four-star linebacker from Florida, ranking him as the 230th overall recruit nationally, the 20th in the EDGE/linebacker category for the 2024 class, and the 36th in the state of Florida.

According to the Recruiting Prediction Machine, Michigan football recruiting currently has the most favorable odds of securing Rudolph’s commitment, with a significant margin. However, with the summer ahead, there is still time for James Franklin and his coaching staff to make up ground and compete for Rudolph’s signature.



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Penn State football trending with No. 1 recruit in Virginia

Penn State football is battling for the No. 1 recruit in Virginia, a major linebacker target.

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Penn State football, No. 1 recruit in Virginia
Nov 14, 2020; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Curtis Jacobs (23) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, a highly anticipated football recruit, Chris Cole, visited Happy Valley, home of Penn State football. The visit proved to be a resounding success as Cole had an exceptional experience interacting with head coach James Franklin and the coaching staff. According to the RPM (Recruiting Prediction Machine), the Nittany Lions are positioned to take the lead in securing the commitment of this immensely talented four-star prospect. Currently, Penn State holds the second-best odds among all the schools vying for Cole’s commitment.

Penn State football trending with No. 1 recruit in Virginia

Penn State football’s well-deserved reputation as “Linebacker U” continues to hold strong, and the program aims to uphold this legacy in the coming years. Chris Cole, an impressive four-star linebacker from Salen High School in Virginia, made his presence felt on campus during his visit last weekend. All indications point to positive developments for James Franklin and his 2024 recruiting class at this juncture.

According to the respected 247 Sports rankings, Chris Cole holds an impressive standing. He is currently regarded as the No. 65 player in the nation, the sixth-best linebacker in the 2024 class, and the top recruit in Virginia. These rankings underscore his exceptional talent and potential.

At present, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Penn State football emerge as the frontrunners in the race for Cole’s commitment. The RPM predicts that the Nittany Lions are in second place and gaining momentum. If his recent visit is any indication, with its positive outcome, Penn State may have a strong chance of securing a commitment from Cole before the end of the 2024 recruiting cycle. Acquiring the No. 1 recruit in Virginia would undoubtedly be a significant triumph for Penn State football, boosting their recruiting efforts as they approach the summer and the 2023 season.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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Penn State football ties major national powers for most commits in 2024 class

Penn State football recruiting has the most commits in the country.

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Penn State football, 2024 class
Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin speaks in a press conference after defeating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, Penn State football recruiting landed three new commitments: two three-star players and one four-star defender. With these three brand new recruits, the Nittany Lions are now tied with some of the nation’s best programs, such as Michigan and Notre Dame, for the most commits in the 2024 recruiting class. James Franklin boosted his class from 14 commits to 17 during the first Sunday of June, which is a great indicator of even bigger success to come.

Penn State football recruiting lands 3 commits in one day

The first weekend of June is an eagerly anticipated time for Penn State football recruiting fans. In college football, June holds great significance as it marks the beginning of the official visit season, and Penn State has a strong understanding of this importance. Head Coach James Franklin has consistently proven himself as a dominant recruiter during official visits, and once again, he showcased his prowess by securing commitments from three highly sought-after prospects in just a matter of days.

Kicking off the weekend, in the early afternoon, Penn State received a commitment from Deryc Plazz, a three-star lineman hailing from Florida. Plazz’s decision to choose Penn State is a significant win for the program, as he had been a target of the team’s recruitment efforts for an extended period.

Following Plazz’s announcement, three-star defensive end Xavier Gilliam from Maryland also committed to Penn State. Gilliam’s commitment further strengthens the Nittany Lions’ defense and adds depth to their 2024 recruiting class.

Lastly, in the late evening, Penn State secured a commitment from Dejaun Lane, a four-star safety/linebacker. Lane’s decision to join the Nittany Lions’ program is a testament to their relentless pursuit and the appeal of playing for a prestigious football program.

These three commitments carry immense significance for Penn State football. Not only were these recruits high-priority targets for the team, but their decisions are also expected to bolster Penn State’s 2024 class in the composite rankings. Additionally, with these commitments, Penn State joins the ranks of several top programs in terms of the number of recruits secured, further solidifying their standing in the college football landscape.

Nittany Lions tie national powers for No. 1 spot in commits

Penn State football has made an impressive start to their 2024 recruiting class. With 17 hard commitments, they currently boast one of the highest numbers of commits among college football programs nationwide. In fact, only three other teams, namely Michigan, Notre Dame, and Wake Forrest, are on par with Penn State with their own 17 commitments in the 2024 class.

This early success in the recruiting cycle is certainly promising for Penn State. It indicates that the program is attracting talented prospects and solidifying its standing as a competitive force in college football. The fact that these positive developments have transpired within the first few days of June further suggests that Penn State football is on an upward trajectory, generating excitement and optimism among fans and supporters.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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BREAKING: Penn State football lands four-star defender Dejuan Lane

Penn State football is getting its summer recruiting off on the right foot.

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Penn State Football, four-star safety Dejuan Lane
April 15, 2023. Penn State football coach James Franklin enters Beaver Stadium prior to the annual Blue-White Game. Credit: Grace Carella // Basic Blues Nation.

June starts a busy and important month for Penn State football recruiting. James Franklin and the Nittany Lions kicked off the month by hosting close to 15 prospects in Happy Valley over the weekend. Those official visits are already bearing fruit, as Penn State has earned a commitment from four-star defender Dejuan Lane.

Penn State football lands four-star defender Dejuan Lane

Dejuan Lane is a four-star safety/linebacker in the class of 2024 out of the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland. 247Sports rates Lane as the 21st overall safety in the country and the 6th-best prospect in Maryland for the 2024 cycle. The 6-2, 200-pound prospect has such a large frame that outlets such as On3 have Lane listed as a linebacker rather than a safety. 

Penn State has been trending in Lane’s recruitment for the last several weeks. On3 put in a prediction for the Nittany Lions to land Lane before his visit to Happy Valley on the weekend of June 2. Dejuan Lane chose Penn State over North Carolina, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma, among others. 

Nittany Lions recruiting is ready to take off this summer

James Franklin and his staff are poised for a massive summer on the recruiting trail. Coming into the weekend, Penn State football had the No. 7 overall class in the country for 2024, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. At the start of the weekend, half of Penn State’s 14 committed prospects were four-stars. Others, like recently committed quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, are expected to rise to four-star status before signing day. 

Lane is the third commit from a handful of top prospects on campus this weekend. The Nittany Lions are also set to host top wide receiver prospect Nick Marsh next weekend, who is currently projected to land at Penn State. Overall, all this means that a string of summer commitments could soon be underway for the Nittany Lions.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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