Penn State recruiting film chat: T-Frank Friday
Penn State stands poised to land its 19th commitment Friday evening when four-star linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson picks his school of choice. The 6-3, 225-pound linebacker prospect is expected to choose the Blue and White over several ACC schools, including Virginia Tech and Miami.
So, before Penn State gets the news, film analyst Thomas Frank Carr is hosting a prospect film chat on the Lion’s Den Message Board. He’s reviewed the film for all of Penn State’s committed prospects and most of the top remaining players on the board. If you’ve got a question for T-Frank, head over to the Den and join the conversation.
Previous Penn State commits
The latest Nittany Lion to join Penn State’s Class of 2023. Rojas chose the Nittany Lions over Miami, Clemson and Georgia. Rojas isn’t the highest-ranked player in the Class of 2023, but he’s one of the most important given how long the Nittany Lions waited to land a linebacker.
Montgomery waited to get his offer from Penn State and his patience paid off. After the offer, Penn State took it’s turn waiting for Montgomery to go through the commitment process and take all of his official visits. In the end the dynamic, undersized back found his way home from Scranton Prep to Happy Valley.
Saf. King Mack
King Mack gave Penn State fans a nervous few hours after he pushed his commitment date back 24 hours. Despite that, the 5-9 firecracker of a safety chose Penn State over Michigan State.
Saf. Dakaari Nelson
Safety Dakaari Nelson was always a strong contender to land in Happy Valley, but few thought he would pick Penn State outright. His decision also came more quickly than most predicted.
Penn State stars run of four-star talent with Parke
Parker is one of the bigger upsets in the Class of 2023. The four-star, top-100 edge rusher picked Penn State despite only visiting once during his recruitment. He solidified the defensive line class for Penn State in the cycle, making sure the Nittany Lions didn’t miss out on an elite prospect at the position.
Blanding remains one of the more underrated players in this class. He recently posted a photo of a 32.5-inch vertical jump. That’s impressive on its own before you consider he’s 270 pounds. His athleticism shows up on film.
Penn State nabs back-to-back receivers
Haynes brings speed and size to the Penn State recruiting class at receiver. While he’s not the most polished player in the class, he brings tangible upside that few players can. With an excellent wingspan and 4.39-speed, the question is more about where Penn State will deploy his talents.
Shakir’s toughness and physicality play well at receiver, despite his overt lack of speed. Even then, Shakir is not slow. The versatile offensive weapon brings yards after the catch and kick return ability to the class.
Safety? Corner? It doesn’t matter; Conrad Hussy brings ball skills as few defensive backs can to Penn State. He’ll play plenty of single coverage at the field safety position anyway.
Penn State defensive commit Jameial Lyons brings upside as few can. His incredible growth over the last two seasons and excellent physical movement skills make him a player reminiscent of Yetur Gross-Matos.
Rappleyea had to wait to get an offer from Penn State, but after some shuffling around at tight end, the 6-4 prospect found a home with the Nittany Lions. Penn State didn’t settle for anything with Rappleyea either; He’s got elite positional skills for a high school tight end.
Early work lays groundwork for top ten finish
No player in the Class of 2023 has a higher ceiling than Wyomissing offensive lineman Jven Williams. Whether he ends up at guard or tackle, the 6-4 offensive lineman has the length, strength, and athleticism to be elite.
Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein struck early with 6-5, 310-pound lineman Anthony Donkoh. The raw pass protector has been on an upward trajectory since then, working on his skills this summer. He’s one of the best physical specimens in the class, so unlocking his talents is the key.
It wouldn’t be a Penn State recruiting class without a jumbo-receiver turned tight end. But Schlaffer is more than that, thanks to his experience splitting time between the two positions in high school. With elite size and growth potential, Schlaffer has massive upside.
If Penn State misses an elite defensive tackle prospect in the Class of 2023, they’ll still have 6-5 Mathias Barnwell. Barnwell’s transformation into a defensive tackle hasn’t taken off yet, but his length, pad level, and natural strength are the hallmarks of an elite prospect at the position. His development can change the topography of the class.
Payne is one of Penn State’s fiercest competitors this year, and one of its most active recruiters. The 6-0 cornerback also brings physicality, size, and length to the position. He’s a solid athlete with an above-average game.
Five-star offensive lineman Alex Birchmeier isn’t just the highest-rated player in the Class of 2023; he’s also the longest-tenured commitment. The 280-pound offensive lineman has the tools to be a complete player for the Nittany Lions and is the bedrock of their hopes to secure a top-ten class.
