Penn State adds four-star RB Corey Smith to Class of 2024
Penn State’s recruiting run is showing no signs of slowing down, as the Nittany Lions added commitment No. 13 to its Class of 2024 Friday in running back Corey Smith. A native of Waukesha, Wisc., Smith earned an offer from running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider back in February. He followed that up with a visit in late March, then returned a few weeks later for the Blue-White Game.
Smith said it was clear to him by the end of his first visit that the Nittany Lions were at the top of his list.
“I would say what separated them was that they showed they’re a very genuine organization,” Smith said. “There was nothing about them that was fake. Some schools show you and tell you all the good things, but Penn State was just real with me the entire way. When I walked in there and visited the first time, it felt like a business. It’s really well run and they do things the right way.
“I just realized quickly that I could see myself there. Then, when you look at all the great players that came from Penn State, in that moment, I really dialed in and looked at them in a whole different way.”
Like so many running backs over the past six years, Smith made it clear that his connection with Seider also played a significant role in his commitment.
“Coach Seider is my guy,” Smith said. “I love that he always got straight to the point. He never tried to lean me or steer me into a different direction with anything. He kept it real the whole time, telling me a lot of things that other coaches weren’t telling me. I appreciated that. I trusted him and felt like we had a real bond right away.”
Penn State head coach James Franklin also played his part, as Smith said he spoke with Franklin more than any other head coach over the past few months.
“I definitely talked to Coach Franklin more than I talked to any other head coach,” he said. “Usually, head coaches are hard to reach, maybe even a little bougie, I would say. He’s not like that at all. Just like Coach Seider and all the coaches there, he keeps it real with you. He’s just a normal guy. He’s really easy to talk with, but he’s also a businessman. I respect him a lot.”
Listed at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Smith totaled 20 scholarship offers. Michigan, Notre Dame, Pitt, Tennessee and Wisconsin were among the schools he visited. He said that Purdue, Notre Dame and Wisconsin were Penn State’s primary competitors.
Last season, Smith carried the ball 146 times for 1,209 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also added 22 receptions for 341 yards and two more scores as a receiver, leading Catholic Memorial to a 13-1 record. Smith is now the second player from his school to commit to Penn State, joining offensive lineman Donovan Harbour who committed back on April 18.
“Honestly, he’s like a big little brother,” Smith said, referring to Harbour. “He’s always the biggest one in the room, but he’s also fun and always has that personality. It’s going to be great having him come with me there.”
Smith is now the second running back to commit to Penn State’s Class of 2024, joining Belle Vernon, Pa., native Quinton Martin. Just like Martin, Smith ranks highly in the On3 Industry Ranking with an overall grade of 90.99. He sits at No. 221 nationally and 18th overall at the running back position.
The Nittany Lions now hold five commitments from four-star prospects in the On3 Industry Ranking.
