Penn State has opportunity on the defensive line this cycle: BWI Recruiting Show
Penn State University is on spring break, so it’s a down week for news about the Nittany Lions football team or recruiting. However, it’s a great time to prime recruiting fans for what to expect this cycle with the defensive line class for 2024. Penn State needs a load of fresh faces along the defensive line this year, so today, the Blue White Illustrated Recruiting Show breaks down who is in the region to nab. Hosts Sean Fitz and Ryan Snyder also discuss cornerback Kenney Woseley’s commitment from Friday.
Check out the full show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. As always, subscribe to Blue White Illustrated on YouTube so you don’t miss any breaking news or shows.
Penn State gets late surprise before big defensive class
It’s not always the case that there’s a bumper crop of talented defensive linemen in Penn State’s region of the country. But this year, Snyder sees a strong group of potential candidates in a year that the team will likely want at least three defensive tackles. But there’s a catch.
“Penn State actually has a handful of talented guys in the region this year. I think, especially at defensive tackle. Penn State will get their defensive ends; that’s been consistent over the years. They need to get quality defensive tackle prospects. I think it’s really important. They need quality, and they need quantity. So what of course, happens, they lose their defensive line coach right before spring practice,” Snyder said.
Right before the spring contact period opened, former defensive line coach John Scott Jr. accepted a job with the Detroit Lions to coach the defensive line. While there is no news this week about who is next in line, the move could be an opportunity more than a setback, says Fitz.
“They’re very curious to see what type of allure the next guy has of course; you still got Dion Barnes on staff regardless of his position. So there’s an opportunity to keep some of those relationships. I think Deion [Barnes} has relationships with a lot of the guys that we’re going to talk about here in a minute. But you have an opportunity to get out there and sort of ride that wave, that new coach bump that we often talk about is real.”
Is Barnes the guy?
The former Penn State defensive end turned assistant coach is now an analyst with the staff. Barnes is a candidate to fill in his old boss’ position, but the team is still doing its due diligence and looking at outside candidates for the job. Bringing in a fresh face could bring added excitement.
“Reignite is probably the best word for this process because Penn State, you’re looking at some of these guys as maybe the leader, maybe in the mix type things. Now this is an opportunity for the next guy to vault Penn State above that,” Fitz says
Check out the show for the full conversation.
Penn State is ranked 19th in the Class of 2024 with four total recruits.
