Penn State commit earns coveted spot on On3's Overtime OT7 Playoffs Day 2 top performers list

It’s no secret that 7-on-7 tournaments are not usually the place for running backs to stand out. But, top Penn State Class of 2027 verbal commitment Kemon Spell did exactly that on Day 2 of the Overtime OT7 Playoffs on Saturday in Florida. The McKeesport, Pa., native, who is the No. 13 junior in the country and top player in the class at his position in the On3 Industry Rankings, had a big performance on the final day of the event in Ft. Lauderdale, and landed at the No. 2 spot on On3’s top performers list because of it.

“In a setting that rarely allows running backs to shine, Kemon Spell looked the part of the No. 1 back in the 2027 cycle,” On3 Scouting Director Charles Power writes. “The Penn State pledge was borderline dominant on Saturday. Spell immediately flashed early on in his team’s first game, showing natural hands and a great burst with the ball in his hands. We saw him come down with two touchdown grabs on the day. Spell shook a defender and came down with a slant for a score, and later got behind the defense for a long touchdown. The showing in this pass-only setting is a big positive for Spell, who is a dominant tackle-breaker on Friday nights. It’s easy to see why, given his palpable burst and powerful build.”

This isn’t the first time that Power has raved about Spell. He also did so following his second high school season.

“I loved Kemon Spell’s sophomore film,” Power said. “It’s a continuation of what we liked with him when we made our watchlist before the season. I think he’s outstanding at breaking tackles. He’s really tough to bring down. I love the base and balance he plays with. He spins off tackles regularly. It’s rare to see the first defender bring him down. He’s very efficient, too. Going into the playoffs, I believe he was over 11 yards per carry and played both ways. So, you love to see that.

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“He’s a great football player. I think when you look at the running back position, you look at a guy like Saquon Barkley, who’s very difficult to tackle. I think Spell has a lot of those qualities. He runs well, and while I do think he can continue to improve his top end [speed], his initial burst is really good. I think it’s also important to mention that this looks like a strong running back group. We thought he was the top running back in the cycle on the early sophomore watchlist, and we came out of this update thinking he’s still the best.”

Spell has been committed to the Nittany Lions since late March. It hasn’t stopped a number of schools from continuing to make contact. But, his Penn State commitment is strong as June turns to July.

“Me and [Penn State running backs] coach [Stan] Drayton’s relationship has gotten stronger and stronger the more we talk, the more we go over things,” Spell previously told BWI. “I saw something special in my eyes. I want him coaching me [from] what I seen on my visit today. It is something like home, that’s where I’m meant to be, where I was born to play. 

“The coaches, they all love me. I got to sit down and have a few conversations with the offensive coordinator [Andy Kotelnicki]. I love his energy, he loves me and wants to get to know me more.”