Penn State hits top five for four-star T.A. Cunningham, who has decision date set
Penn State continues to try and add to its Class of 2024. Space is becoming limited in the currently top-10 group according to the On3 Industry Team Rankings. But, targets do remain. And, one of them put the Nittany Lions in his top five on Friday.
Miami, Fla., Miami Central four-star defensive tackle T.A. Cunningham is still considering head coach James Franklin’s program along with Oklahoma, Miami, Penn State, Texas A&M, and Michigan. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound prospect will announce which college he will attend on July 22. He is the nation’s No. 257 player overall, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, the No. 28 defensive lineman, and the No. 36 senior-to-be in the Sunshine State. The Hurricanes lead on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. But, his lone summer official visit was to Penn State, which may help the Lions in the long run.
“Big, light-footed athlete along the defensive front,” On3 writes in its scouting report on Cunningham. “Has one of the larger frames among top 2024 defensive linemen, checking in at 6-foot-6 and around 275 pounds prior to his junior season.
“Flashes his athleticism by making some high-level plays in pursuit. Regularly disrupts passing lanes and batted down several passes as a sophomore. Will need to continue developing his technique and hands in disengaging from blocks and as a pass rusher.”
Cunningham talks Penn State and other finalists
In an interview with On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Cunningham offered a comment on all five of his finalists.
Oklahoma Sooners: “Oklahoma has shown too much love in my recruitment to not be in my top 5. BOOMER!”
Miami Hurricanes: “The feeling on campus when you’re at Miami is like no other. Plus I’ve got mad love for coach Joe and coach Taylor.”
Penn State Nittany Lions: “Penn State is definitely the place to become a great football player but also a better man. Coach Franklin and coach Barnes believe in me in a special type of way.”
Texas A&M Aggies: “Everything’s bigger in Texas, including football. A&M is on the come up and they’ve always held a special place in my heart.”
Michigan Wolverines: “Last time I was in Ann Arbor the coaching staff had a plan for me and knew everything about how I liked to play. Also why not get coached in an NFL style defense with some of the craziest fans in CFB?”
As of July 14, Penn State has 22 verbal commitments. Its Class of 2024 sits at No. 8 nationally with 13 four-star recruits and nine three-stars.
