Advanced Scouting: Penn State target Max Granville
The Penn State defensive class for 2025 is thin heading into June. With official visits just around the corner, we’re getting recruiting fans ready with a preview of the players descending on Happy Valley in the coming weeks. Today, we’re discussing four-star defensive end Max Granville from Texas. The Sugarland native is a top-200 prospect in the On300 rankings. So, what is Granville for Penn State? Let’s dive into his highlight tape to get an initial idea of his skills and profile.
Pass rushing specialist
Granville fits the Penn State defensive end profile fairly well. He’s an explosive, speedy edge player who has a knack for getting to the quarterback and getting his hands on the ball. The Texas edge defender shows a good initial set of hand-fighting tools, though overall, he wins primarily with speed and angles. Still, he effectively uses a swim and spin move in the film. He also shows good awareness of the offensive lineman’s hands and can bat them away while turning the corner.
That speed and elite movement skills for a defensive lineman also show up in the running game. Granville can shed blocks with a quick win and get into the backfield for a tackle for loss or to blow up a running play. He also is willing to take on blocks and hold the point of attack, though those are more limited in his film.
His offensive highlights, while limited, are incredibly impressive. He explodes into open daylight and runs away from defenders with visibly elite acceleration and speed when given a chance. That further confirms that he’ll likely have an elite 10-yard split, which is critical for a defensive lineman.
Positional ambiguity that fits Penn State
While he’s a defensive end for Penn State, it’s reasonable for other schools or recruiting services to see Granville as a tweener or linebacker prospect. On3 lists him as a linebacker, and at just under 6-3 and 225 pounds, it makes sense. While his frame is probably fine for playing defensive end, the most concerning issue of Granville’s profile is his arm length. While we don’t have confirmed numbers on his reach, he doesn’t have obviously long arms on film. Typically, that means his length is somewhere just around or under the standard of 33 inches. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does inform how he’ll need to play and win at the next level.
But Penn State has a history of turning players like Micah Parsons and Chop Robinson, both of whom were seen as undersized tweeners, into first-round picks.
But Penn State has a history of turning players like Micah Parsons and Chop Robinson, both of whom were seen as undersized tweeners, into first-round picks.
More to learn
Despite his consensus four-star profile, Granville isn’t a perfectly translateable prospect to the college level. Despite his 225-pound weight and obvious room for growth, he’ll never be a 260-pound edge rusher who fits every system. Learning more about the details of his frame will help shape the expectations of what he can and can’t be going forward.
Aside from that, more information is generally better. Granville has a shorter highlight film, so it’s important to find out if that’s a choice or a result of a lack of playing time. It’s also important to see how he does against comparable talent. Does he struggle against offensive linemen who are also destined for Power Four football?
Fit at Penn State
Indications are that Granville wants to play defensive end, and if Penn State is the best school giving him that chance, it’s a great fit. As we discussed earlier, the Nittany Lions have turned players with similar builds into high-level pass rushers through strength and development to maximize their frames.
Also, despite being on the smaller side, Granville is a fearless and violent player who hits hard. He’s got the mentality to play above his listed weight and be a force off the edge as long as he can grow into the position. With his burst and pass-rushing potential, he’s a clear priority for Penn State.
The post Advanced Scouting: Penn State target Max Granville appeared first on On3.
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