First Impressions from Penn State’s initial official visit weekend
It was a productive weekend for Penn State’s recruiting efforts, as 11 official visitors made their way to Happy Valley for an intensive couple of days. While the weekend has yet to net any commitments, the returns are expected to come for those who can be patient. Here’s a little of what we’re hearing coming out of the weekend.
First Impressions of Penn State’s Initial Official Visit Weekend
– Coming into the weekend, Pennsylvania four-star wideout Lex Cyrus was the guy that we earmarked as a potential commitment. Coming out of the trip, I really don’t feel much different. In fact, while I do think Cyrus still makes it to South Carolina for that official, I am going to put the pick in for the Nittany Lions on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. I think it seems like only a matter of time.
– We have yet to catch up with Maryland cornerback Brandon Finney for a visit recap, but feedback suggests that the Nittany Lions are in the driver’s seat coming out of the visit. Penn State made it clear to Finney that he is way up on its board and not just there because he’s a McDonogh pipeline kid. He will still take more visits, but Penn State set a pretty high standard this weekend. The program’s development of corners has really helped as his recruitment has taken on a more national flavor.
– Penn State seems like a fit for Florida corner Graceson Littleton. The Nittany Lions made a really good second impression this weekend. But this one may take a while, as Littleton is just familiarizing himself with the process, and everything that comes with it. He has some heavy hitters lined up for official visits, so this is one that we could see potentially fading as more trips happen. Littleton really likes Penn State and is a fit from what I’ve heard, but it will be a battle.
– Penn State came into the weekend as the leader for Florida safety Antonio Branch. Coming out of the visit, there is no change at the top. He still wants to see Florida and maybe Louisville, but Penn State is in excellent standing coming out of his official visit. A decision may not be far off, as he’s been close to pulling the trigger for the Nittany Lions for a few weeks now. The South Florida factor has me holding off on the RPM for now, but Penn State is unquestionably the leader.
Texas DE Max Granville recaps official visit
– Putting it up front, Max Granville would be an extremely tough pull from Texas, given the competition closer to home. That said, Penn State actually feels very good about where it stands coming out of this weekend’s visit. Like, surprisingly good. Granted, Granville is a very nice kid and may make everyone feel that way, but even I was surprised at the positivity coming off of the visit. Penn State still needs to weather the storm of USC, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M before a late June decision, but the program is right in there. The impression is they covered a lot of distance this weekend with Granville.
– Florida linebacker Ty Jackson is quiet, and he approached his official visit the same way. He’s very analytical, which I see as a good thing for the out-of-region school vying for his services. That said, legitimate competition and distance still make this one an uphill battle.
Related: Penn State sets the bar high with DL Yvan Kemajou during official visit
– Penn State did a lot of evaluating with defensive linemen Cedric Works and Yvan Kemajou this weekend. Kemajou is a high academic kid and Works is a little more rough around the edges. That said, I think Penn State is in a good spot for both in their own way. Kemajou doesn’t know much about the recruiting process and college football in general. Works wants to see as much as possible in June. What is interesting is both of these guys want to decide in the fall, but I’m not sure that’s how it will play out. Still awaiting more feedback on both, but winnable recruitments.
-It was a good visit for Malachi Goodman, but more feedback is needed before getting too deep. He has a busy June with some heavy hitters coming up. From what I’ve picked up, Goodman doesn’t get too high one way or the other. That’s one we need more info on.
-To be honest, I heard more buzz about Quincy Porter this weekend than I expected. Of course, if you’ve been reading our stuff, you know I have not been bullish on Penn State’s chances there. The visit seems to have landed well, though. I’ve heard more Michigan coming out than Ohio State, which is interesting. He has a few visits coming up, which will loom large.
– It was a really good weekend for Missouri wideout Corey Simms, but there’s a long way to go with visits closer to home. Missouri seems like it could be in a prime position here. Simms is another guy who really likes the staff and enjoyed his visit, but the tea leaves would make this one hard to secure.
– I would still say things are to be determined for Maryland offensive lineman Amory Hills. He is still coming for an official visit next weekend. His camp performance on Sunday was good, but not no-brainer good. His athletic numbers left something to be desired, even though he did well in the position during the football portion of the camp. Penn State will keep evaluating.
The post First Impressions from Penn State’s initial official visit weekend appeared first on On3.
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