Penn State makes top list for On300 OL Samson Okunlola
Penn State made the cut with Brockton, Mass., offensive lineman Samson Okunlola Thursday. A top-100 prospect according to the On300 Consensus, Okunlola has long been considered one of Penn State’s most important offensive line prospects.
The Nittany Lions offered back in Dec. 2020, and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein hasn’t wavered at all when it comes to interest.
However, the competition is stacked. Since Sept. 2020, Okunlola has totaled just shy 50 scholarship offers. He’s now down to nine schools, with Penn State making the cut. The other eight are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Oregon.
Okunlola hasn’t announced any official visits yet for June, but he did inform Blue White Illustrated that Alabama, Miami and Michigan State are in the best position to potentially receive three of his five official visits this summer. However, Okunlola appears content with waiting to make his decision until the season or later.
Related: Penn State will host 2024 PA O-lineman for Whiteout Camp
“I would say I will commit around the middle to the end of the season, “Okunlola told Chad Simmons in April. “Each visit will be important to me, so I will take all five official visits before I commit.”
Out of his top schools, Penn State is one of four he’s already visited. Georgia hosted Samson and his brother, Samuel, who committed to Pitt in the Class of 2022, back in June 2021. He then saw Michigan State in March and Oregon in May. Penn State hosted Okunlola for his one and only visit in January.
“I really liked the presentation that the head coach gave,” Okunlola said, referring to James Franklin’s presentation that he gives on most visits. “It really showed how energetic he is, how much he loves the school. He really showed what makes Penn State different from the other schools. He basically just explained that at the end of the day, football is important, but getting your education and setting yourself up for the future is also a big part of your experience.”
Okunlola added, “I like Coach Trautwein, he is a cool guy,” Okunlola said. “He has good experience, he is smart about the offensive line and I like his energy.”
Samson Okunlola Scouting Report
“Aggressive offensive lineman with nimble movement skills and a positive athletic profile. Has plus length for the position at 6-foot-5, 295 pounds with a 6-foot-10.5 wing-span. Has shown good short area quickness in the camp setting. Also spends time as a wrestler and thrower in the shot put. Plays both ways at his high school as an offensive tackle and defensive lineman. Has some dominant flashes, particularly as a run blocker. Moves well to the second level, locating and blowing up linebackers on contact.
Finishes blocks at a high rate and works to plant defenders into the turf. Shows similar emphatic finishing ability on defense, where he suplexes ball carriers at times. Plays low and understands leverage. Will need to continue developing his pass set technique. Could also stand to improve his ankle flexion a bit. Faces subpar competition and may need some time to adjust to the uptick in talent level once in college.”
— Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
