Penn State makes top six for top-20 Class of 2025 recruit Ari Watford
Penn State football is one of six schools left standing for one of the nation’s top underclassmen prospects. Norfolk, Va., edge Ari Watford announced his top six on Monday night. The Nittany Lions made the cut along with South Carolina, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and Clemson. A 6-foot-5, 230-pound recruit, Watford is the No. 20 overall player in the On3 Industry Rankings for the Class of 2025. He is No. 1 at his position and among juniors in his home state. On3’s evaluators are slightly higher on the defender than the rest of the recruiting industry is. It slots him at No. 17 overall.
Ari Watford scouting report
Here’s the most recent scouting summary on Watford from On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power:
“Big-framed, explosive pass rusher who looks like one of the top EDGE prospects early on in the 2025 cycle. Measured at over 6-foot-5, 220 pounds with a 6-foot-8.5 wing-span prior to his freshman season. Has a quick first step. Bursts off the snap and explodes into the backfield to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Makes easy work of opposing offensive tackles in pass rush situations.
“Typically beats the tackles to the edge, but also shows a budding technical skill set, using quick hands and spin moves to disengage. Flashes his athleticism as a pursuit defender with the high-level play speed to track down runners from behind. Also has the look of a strong run defender, using his big frame to set the edge.”
What has Watford said about Penn State?
Watford last visited Penn State in April. He has visited the Hokies the most, which is why the ACC team currently leads in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.
“Penn State was cool,” Watford told BWI last spring. The drive up was cool and then when we got up there, the whole staff greeted me at the door,” Watford said. “I wasn’t the only recruit that day, but I did get to chill with my position coach. I watched practice and everything. Overall, it was a good experience. I like Penn State. I love the D-line coach.
“I love Coach James Franklin. He has a lot of energy. I just think overall, we have a good connection. I would say that about the whole coaching staff.”
Watford has not yet said when he will make his college choice. But, it’s likely to come only after he can take official visits later this year.
