Penn State Recruiting list, 2024 primer: BWI Daily
Penn State recruiting is still in a dead period, so it’s a great time to look ahead to the Class of 2024. So that’s what happens on the Friday edition of the BWI Daily. Host Thomas Frank Carr and recruiting insider Ryan Snyder begin the initial foray into the sophomore class from last season who are standing out and getting offers from Penn State.
Penn State recruiting gets shot at Top 5 class
They get to that after discussing the news about the Class of 2023 that dropped on Thursday. Penn State commit Jven Williams earned a fifth star from On3. T-Frank and Snyder discuss the implications for Penn State’s 2023 cycle to have a five-star player and it matters for several reasons Snyder explains. He also wonders out loud if fellow lineman Alex Birchmeier could get a fifth star. So could all of that attract another high-quality offensive lineman? Snyder doesn’t think that’s the case but does point to other areas in the class it might affect.
Penn State recruiting targets in the Class of 2024: Offense
After that, they start in on quarterbacks for the Class of 2024. Again, Snyder gives the blanket statement that it’s early for every position, but he’s identified three players Penn State is interested in pursuing. The top player in the nation is North Carolina native Jadyn Davis, but Penn State might have a realistic shot with a different Jayden. Jayden Bradford from South Carolina is an intriguing prospect, Snyder explains.
The running back position has high-level offers in Florida, including IMG Academy’s Stacy Gage. Still, athlete Quinton Martin from Belle Vernon is possibly the highest priority player in the class. From there, the receiver position is an extensive list for Snyder, but not a very clear one at the moment. The same is true for tight end.
They hit the offensive line next, with a committed player in Erie native Cooper Cousins. Cousins gives Penn State recruiting efforts a shot in the arm but who else could join Cousins? Jordan Seaton and Peter Jones are two names that come to mind in another very long list.
Defensive targets
On the other side of the ball, it’s another deep class at the defensive end position. So, who are the players that stand out? T-Frank is high on 6-4 Dominic Nichols, while Snyder brings up two other regional players with a high profile inside the Lasch building.
Defensive tackle is another deep list with some talent but more questions. Richard James Jr and Jahsear Whittington need to grow but are intriguing prospects at 6-0 tall.
According to T-Frank and Snyder, linebacker Anthony Speca is the highlight of the linebacker group and possibly one of the best players in the state. So what would hold him back? Snyder’s information makes him want to see more from Speca this upcoming season.
Related: Get to know Penn State football’s top 2024 defensive back targets
Finally, the defensive backs are stocked with talent in the region this year. But that talent is heading south to IMG. Regional corner prospects Desmond Ricks and Ellis Robinson are heading south for their high school careers. That makes it much harder for Penn State to stay in contact and get an early foothold with them. Snyder then goes through the rest of the corners that are staying local and then checks out the safeties to finish the show.
