Penn State and Pennsylvania look strong following 2024 On300 release
The Class of 2024 feels like it’s just getting started, but Penn State is already aggressively pursuing sophomores from across the country. When you look across the region, it’s easy to see why, as the 2024 class should be a good one for James Franklin and his staff. That’s especially true in Pennsylvania.
Let’s break it down below.
Penn State should have plenty to pick from
It’s still incredibly early, of course, but this is setting up to be one of Pennsylvania’s strongest classes over the past decade, with 12 players making the initial On300. That’s a great sign for Penn State.
Four some perspective, the 2023 class has just six Pennsylvania players in the top 300, while 2022 had just seven. On3’s ratings go back to the 2021 class, which did feature 11 On300 players.
If you use the Consensus rankings, which puts together all four major sites, you have to go back to 2018 to find another similar class, as Pennsylvania finished with 10 top 300 players that year. 2021 and 2018, along with now 2024, are the only classes that surpass double-digits.
67) DL Deshon Dodson
158) OL Cooper Cousins
204) CB Omillio Agard
208) RB Tre McLeod
216) QB Samaj Jones
228) OL Peter Jones
230) WR Rico Scott
250) CB Kenny Woseley
271) OL Andrew Erby Jr.
What grabs our attention
The first thing to know is that Penn State has already offered 10 of those 12 players. Quarterback Samaj Jones, from St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, and offensive lineman Andrew Erby Jr., from Steel-High in Steelton, Pa., are the only two who haven’t earned that offer yet. Quarterback recruiting can often be tricky. We know South Carolina native Jayden Bradford, who ranks No. 28 nationally, is a top target for Penn State. Once they sort that out, we’ll see if they give Jones a closer look.
I do feel confident in saying that there’s a real chance Erby gets an offer from Penn State. Erby and his twin brother, Alex Erby, who plays quarterback, are expected to visit in April. They’re tentatively planning for April 8. Andrew has earned some quality offers recently from Duke, Louisville, Nebraska and West Virginia.
Another thing that grabs my eye is who’s not on this list. Linebacker Anthony Speca, from Central Catholic in Pittsburgh, and wide receiver David Washington Jr., from St. Joseph’s Prep, both hold offers from Penn State already. I feel confident in saying that Penn State’s coaches rank both players high on their board at their respective positions. That’s especially true for Speca, who was one of the first players Penn State offered in the 2024 class nearly a year ago. Another player to monitor is Cameron Lindsey from Aliquippa. He also holds an offer from the Nittany Lions.
Of course, with nearly two years until these players can sign, a lot will change in the months ahead. It’s unlikely that all of these prospects will finish in the On300, but when you look around the state, I think there’s a good chance that we see 10 players finish on that list when it’s all said and done.
When you also look at how important Pennsylvania is in regards to where Penn State ultimately finishes in the rankings – both 2018 and 2022 had high numbers of in-state commitments – it’s a good sign that the Nittany Lions could put together a strong class.
