2009 PSU Recruiting

[wadc45]

I'm asking because I am interested in learning a little more about PSU's recruiting...not to flame.

I knew ND was a player for a Shrive...I just didn't realize we were writing him off as an ND lock. It just seems to me that a kid from Pennsylvania who is being offered by everyone would be someone that the PSU staff would go to work on to try and convince to play for the home state school. You could put together a pretty solid class just working PA this year:

Dorian Bell
Eric Shrive
Tom Savage
Je'Ron Stokes
Corey Brown
Jaleel Clark
Dan Mason
Todd Thomas

Those are PA kids claiming PSU offers...add a few others like Jack Lippert, Jordan Hill, Jeremiah Young, Tyron Ezell, Steve Greene, Nick Kindler, etc. and you have the foundation for a solid class.

[FrankBooth]

Originally Posted by wadc45

I'm asking because I am interested in learning a little more about PSU's recruiting...not to flame.

We have no doubt about that.

I think a lot of coaches will kiss a talented recruit's butt, and you don't see that from Paterno and gang. For example, when Willie Williams was writing about stuffing his face on lobstas at a restaurant, PSU recruits were eating at the training table; while Willie was marveling at the posh hotels he got to stay in, PSU recruits were staying in dorms with players. It seems to be a spartan kind of recruiting approach to go along with uniforms that don't even have the kid's name on them.

And they also seem to want to see some genuine interest from a kid. Two years ago I recall reading something to the effect that #10 ranked (according to Scout) safety recruit Nick Sukay was miffed because PSU wouldn't offer him a scholie until he visited Happy Valley and worked out; other schools were showering him with love without making him show some love back like that. Some kids will prefer to focus on the schools that flatter them the most, but in Sukay's case he got over his initial indignation, made the trip and committed soon after getting his offer.

But there's some gamesmanship going on here too -- I think in Sukay's case they knew the PSU offer was the one he wanted, so they made him work for it a bit. Since Shrive appears to be headed to ND, they probably figured they had to offer him just to get a foot in the door.

But I doubt they would pursue him as desperately as someone like Zook would -- they'll keep the door open for him to visit. But if Shrive can visit ND this spring but can't find time to make it to PSU, well, then it would seem like he is telling the staff he ain't interested. I'm sure the coaches will stay in touch anyway just in case Shrive's former QB who will walk-on at PSU can convince him to take a visit, and who knows -- Shrive may decide it will be easier for his folks to see him play at Beaver Stadium instead of making them drive another 7 hours to South Bend or just watch him on tv.

[AustinScottistheone]

Dorian Bell - Not looking good IMHO, he probably thinks we should care but we don't...Mike Hull will be just as hyped and he'll be coming to Penn State. So while Bell is someone worth coveting, I'm not sure about his feelings on Penn State other than he wants to play early and likes FSU. I know tOSU likes their chances, but if Pitt actually has a successful season I wouldn't be shocked to see Brown, Hale & Saddler constantly in his ear. I don't think Brown is going to go to tOSU.

Eric Shrive - Not sure...I want us to get him really bad but at times he seems indifferent, at one point Mike McQueary called and said he had heard Shrive cut Penn State...Shrive said he did not, and that "It's an honor to be offered by a prestigious program like Penn State. They have great tradition." Something tells me this kid isn't going to disappoint his grandfather...meaning ND is it.

Tom Savage - Not coveted. R.V. only one showing any attention...unless Wedderburn does a real sale job and we miss on 2 or 3 other QBs the staff probably isn't going to pay much attention. Although, he has said this about getting his ship from Penn State..."It's a great offer, just getting an offer from a well-known program with great tradition there is great. There is great fan support there, and it is just an awesome school." So that is 4 greats and 1 awesome...

Je'Ron Stokes - I'm hopeful. He said some things about not liking the uncertainty but you'd figure something will be figured out, and Stokes isn't dumb...there are 3 senior WRs on their way out and it will be a factor IMHO. Engram, McDuffie, Johnson, Joe Jurevicius, should be relatively easy to sell him if Pat Devlin or Daryll Clark can throw. I think we get to see some of Pat Devlin in '08 - Stokes stays in-state when he recognizes the opportunity. I assume he will continue to get ship after ship, and I think he likes Illinois but there not going to commit to him being the #1 guy.

Quote from when Je'Ron, him family and his brother Malik met Paterno, after saying he had enjoyed himself meeting players and looking around with Mike McQueary "He [Paterno] had us in there laughing and everything. It was really exciting to meet him for the first time. I got a great vibe from all the coaches, from coach Paterno and everything."

Corey Brown - Not looking good IMHO.

Jaleel Clark - Your probably not going to see this kid talk much to recruiting sites and all that garbage, two-sport star and I believe Penn State was the first to get it's ship out to him...for some reason without knowing all that much I feel confident. Should be at April 5th Penn State JD [today].

Dan Mason - Looking pretty good. Believe an ex-Penn Stater is taking over the reigns as HC, that can't hurt.

Todd Thomas - Not sure. Seems indifferent to Pitt so that is good enough for me. Penn State will likely be all over him, Stokes, Clark seeing as how we can't strike out at WR this year...no reason to go outside PA when there are 3 WRs in-state that you covet. Can't see us getting all three unless our offense really surprises with either Clark or Devlin at the helm but this kid is deceptively fast and has a good frame. Kind of a do-it all in H.S. like Derek Moye was but probably more athletic and definitely faster.

Jack Lippert - I personally think he is Penn State's if they offer, and I don't know what the hold up is. Some say he is a bit overrated, I think he is worthy. At Penn State's first Junior Day I believe.

Jordan Hill - I think LJ covets him. If Penn State comes through with an offer I would be very surprised if Hill was able to say no. Has been to numerous games, really likes LJ, really likes Penn State and calls it a second home.

Jeremiah Young - I really like Tavon Austin...but damn it would be nice to somehow get both. LJ is working Steelton and has been numerous times...compare that to Savage and I don't even think the coaches have bothered much since he was a Junior, with the exception of R.V. dropping the ship off at his school. Possibly at Penn State for April 5th JD [today].

Ezell - His talk of ND and fascination with them disgusts me, I would be shocked if he got an offer.

Steve Greene - Seems to covet Penn State. How many OG/C prospects do we need though. We need OTs, it is too bad that Greene isn't an OT. You can never neglect the OL though and this is a big class so he is likely to get an offer if he remains somewhat patient. Should be at April 5th JD [today], possibly get an offer?

Nick Kindler - Not sure. RT? Doubtful that he is a LT, recovering after a torn ACL from his junior season I believe...in which he unwisely continued to play. Not sure how he feels about Penn State. Yancich, Sweat's teammate. He was at Penn State's first Junior Day.

Possibly a few other PA prospects:

Curtis Drake - 6'0 185 4.5 40 QB/DB Philadelphia West Catholic
Raymond Maples - 5'11 185 4.45 40 RB/DB Philadelphia West Catholic
Abdul Smith - 6'1 175 4.5 40 WR/DB/RB Pennsburg Perkiomen
Malik Generett 6'4 210 4.55 40 ATH William Penn

[Undercover Brother]

Originally Posted by wadc45

I'm asking because I am interested in learning a little more about PSU's recruiting...not to flame.

I knew ND was a player for a Shrive...I just didn't realize we were writing him off as an ND lock. It just seems to me that a kid from Pennsylvania who is being offered by everyone would be someone that the PSU staff would go to work on to try and convince to play for the home state school. You could put together a pretty solid class just working PA this year:

Dorian Bell
Eric Shrive
Tom Savage
Je'Ron Stokes
Corey Brown
Jaleel Clark
Dan Mason
Todd Thomas

Those are PA kids claiming PSU offers...add a few others like Jack Lippert, Jordan Hill, Jeremiah Young, Tyron Ezell, Steve Greene, Nick Kindler, etc. and you have the foundation for a solid class.

Dorian Bell - won't be a Lion. Already talking about PSU's depth being so deep that he doesn't think he could play early. Yet, he has high interest in OSU and FSU, two other programs stacked at LB. Kid is a wuss. No problem looking at depth charts, but to me, he doesn't want to compete. Kids have gotten early playing time at PSU at LB when the depth chart was stacked.

Tom Savage - DOUBT he has a PSU offer, which he claims. PSU is showing little interest if any. He is miffed that he is the fourth or fifth option for PSU. They know he isn't the QB that can run the new offense. Savage is Morelli Part Deaux. We have seen this movie before. Let him go to Rutgers and have the same career as Mike Teel, very unimpressive.

Shrive - I've already said my piece on him

Brown - probably the most overrated kid in PA. Going to Pitt

Feel good about Mason, Thomas, Stokes and Clark. PSU loses three wideouts and the depth chart is wide open for those three receivers. Mason doesn't seem phased by our stacked LB collection.

Lippert and Hill will be PSU guys, IF they get the offers - especially Hill. PSU should offer Young. Would have a very good chance at him, provided RichRod doesn't offer him an SUV.

[wadc45]

Great stuff from everyone...very interesting reads.

The Willie Williams' diaries might be the funniest things ever committed to paper...especially his visit to Florida State. I am going to have to go dig those up...

I certainly understand that approach to recruiting...it was my contention in the Illinois forum that OSU and PSU [by far] send out the fewest offers of any schools in the conference, with the possible exception being Northwestern, due to the academic requirements.

I know some people in Columbus are confident about Bell but as was mentioned I don't think Brown gets an offer and if the rest of the Gateway crew (Saddler, Hale, Brown [and Rodkey]) is in his ear Pitt will be tough to beat.

Illinois' insiders are caustiously optimistic about Shrive...as they are about Marcus Hall.

If Savage isn't the answer at QB in this class, then who is? Newsome? Crawford?

Stokes is another kid Illinois' people are getting themselves excited aobut, FWIW.

Lippert's measureables are what interested me...the staff can teach him the rest.

I'll be intersted to see what comes of the huge guest list PSU had on campus this weekend...

[AustinScottistheone]

The Willie Williams' diaries might be the funniest things ever committed to paper...especially his visit to Florida State. I am going to have to go dig those up... [Please do]

If Savage isn't the answer at QB in this class, who is?

I will be interested to see what new offers pop up from April 5th JD, it will be intriguing for sure. QB makes me uneasy because SCUM acts like Forcier is already in the bag, Newsome is going to end up at VT I don't know why, Sims wants pro-style play and they might as well send him his VT helmet/jersey already. We don't even really covet Savage, Murray is so ridiculous I don't even know what to think and Purdue/Indiana/others have been on Newton for years. I wish we [those who aren't close enough, and don't subscribe to FOS/BWI] could get a list of those who showed up on April 5th earlier...instead I have to wait like a week to find out if Young, Clark, Green and others showed. I personally think Dorian Bell is either going to go to Pitt or tOSU. As far as QB, UB alluded to Savage possibly not having an offer - I don't know I thought he did. He is definitely pissed about being as far down on the totem pole as he is though.

Tate Forcier [UM arrogance, act like they already have him]
Kevin Newsome [VT likely]
Aaron Murray [supposedly] [trillion offers]
Morgan Newton [?]
Tom Savage [?]

I personally like C.J. Brown from Seneca Valley, PA [Football/Basketball WPIAL QB prospect] and Andrew Shoop more than I like Tom Savage. I would like Tom Bradley to stay on C.J. and bring him in regardless of who we do or do not get at QB because I think he has real potential as a mobile QB. In a perfect world we get a combo of Forcier and another QB, Newsome and another QB, Newton and another QB. I want one of those QBs to be C.J. Brown regardless, although Shoop has potential and has impressed while attending some combines, camps and such. I could easily see the whole thing blowing up in our face regarding the 5 QB prospects above, while we just round up the PA QBs [Shoop - parents season ticket holders, covets Penn State despite Jay, C.J. Brown, Z. Zuili sp?].

[PSU42Fan]

Zook has Illinois fans optimistic about every recruit. Sometimes they are full of crap; the problem is that sometimes Zook's efforts do pay off.

[GoRU]

Originally Posted by Undercover Brother

Tom Savage - DOUBT he has a PSU offer, which he claims. PSU is showing little interest if any. He is miffed that he is the fourth or fifth option for PSU. They know he isn't the QB that can run the new offense. Savage is Morelli Part Deaux. We have seen this movie before. Let him go to Rutgers and have the same career as Mike Teel, very unimpressive.

I've been holding my tongue at some of the things said here, but this is a little over the line.

1. From all indications, PSU is not the leader for Newsome (silent to VT already) or Forcier (just going by the same Michigan rumors that everyone's read). That's why I think this absurd talk about Savage is just a pre-emptive rationalization given his lack of interest.

2. Mike Teel was a ** recruit who committed early in the summer with just an offer from Wisconsin. Some Bosco sources claimed that after the Henne drama and before Morelli switched, PSU told him they'd take his verbal if he'd switch on the spot. Yet, he's going to end up with a better career than Morelli, running a very similar scheme.

Very few quarterbacks end up as successful as a Mike Teel. How far he's come is a testament to the hard work put in by both Teel and a very skilled coaching staff.

[wadc45]

All good stuff, and certainly the kind of stuff I was looking for (just call me the Pot Stirrer)...split this stuff off into a seperate thread because it warrants it's own discussion instead of being hidden in the Shrive thread.

I have to agree with GORu on Newsome...I have heard he is a VT lock for quite some time...obviously a staff will continue recruiting a kid until the bitter end if they really want him, but they can also read the writing on the wall. I'm sure they are prepared to move in another direction if needed.

I know what you mean about Zook and Illini fans at the moment. I'm sure there is some shock that Stokes pulled the trigger from them as well because I know they at least felt they had a shot and still expect him to visit for their spring game.

I am really interested in seeing some decent film on CJ Brown and Shoop...

[reigle9]

Originally Posted by GoRU

I've been holding my tongue at some of the things said here, but this is a little over the line.

1.That's why I think this absurd talk about Savage is just a pre-emptive rationalization given his lack of interest.

That's what everybody always assumes when it comes to a highly rated guy. That's one hell of a preemptive rationalization a year in advance since people have been saying it for months. It's not a coincidence that every other QB PSU has offered is a dual-threat guy.

Every outsider will see a highly ranked guy in PA and assume we "lost" him. I think that's the most annoying thing on the internets when it comes to recruiting. Now Stokes, he is someone we lost.

[reigle9]

Originally Posted by wadc45

I have to agree with GORu on Newsome...I have heard he is a VT lock for quite some time...obviously a staff will continue recruiting a kid until the bitter end if they really want him, but they can also read the writing on the wall. I'm sure they are prepared to move in another direction if needed.

Maybe I'm missing it but where was it ever said PSU was the leader for Newsome? Any PSU fan that doesn't think we're a distant second or third for him is delusional.

I think UM and PSU are about even for Forcier.

[wadc45]

Originally Posted by reigle9

That's what everybody always assumes when it comes to a highly rated guy. That's one hell of a preemptive rationalization a year in advance since people have been saying it for months. It's not a coincidence that every other QB PSU has offered is a dual-threat guy.

Every outsider will see a highly ranked guy in PA and assume we "lost" him. I think that's the most annoying thing on the internets when it comes to recruiting. Now Stokes, he is someone we lost.

I don't think anyone meant to make it sound like PSU "lost" anybody...but it's fair to say that the staff would definitely like to have some of these PA guys that are pledging/looking elsewhere. I don't know the dynamics of the PSU/Gateway relationship and if things are strained after last year or whatever, but I would have to imagine the PSU staff would take Dorian Bell in a hot second if he wanted to come to Happy Valley. Now, if he chooses to go elsewhere, I don't look at that as a loss for the PSU staff. But I do wonder about the holes in the fence around Pennsylvania...are kids getting away that the staff really wants or is PSU focusing more national/regional and thus allowing a lot of kids from in-state who would otherwise love a PSU offer to have to look elsewhere?

[GoRU]

Originally Posted by reigle9

That's what everybody always assumes when it comes to a highly rated guy. That's one hell of a preemptive rationalization a year in advance since people have been saying it for months. It's not a coincidence that every other QB PSU has offered is a dual-threat guy.

Every outsider will see a highly ranked guy in PA and assume we "lost" him. I think that's the most annoying thing on the internets when it comes to recruiting. Now Stokes, he is someone we lost.

Functionally, does it matter? We know why Penn State didn't go bring in Alexander, McCoy, etc... that doesn't make those the correct decisions.

Originally Posted by wadc45

But I do wonder about the holes in the fence around Pennsylvania...are kids getting away that the staff really wants or is PSU focusing more national/regional and thus allowing a lot of kids from in-state who would otherwise love a PSU offer to have to look elsewhere?

Has PSU ever had a fence around the state? Michigan and Ohio State have been pulling top players ever since PSU joined the Big Ten. They always had to deal with Pitt and Notre Dame in WPIAL. They made up for it in the East though, maybe a little in Ohio too during the Cooper years. That's not happening as much now. No excuse not to get every quality player in Central or East PA either.

[AustinScottistheone]

All I know is if we lose Jaleel Clark I will flip...I want this kid at Penn State badly. There is no question that we coveted the 3 PA WRs [Stokes, Clark & Thomas] and Stokes is already one down. Gateway situation is interesting...I'm not even sure I would call it a pipeline. Yes, Terry Smith is a Penn State alum and is the head coach at Gateway...but he isn't steering kids to Penn State that much is clear. I was confident Jon Ditto was coming to Penn State once he had made the visit, but it wouldn't have shocked me if he went elsewhere. I was confident that Sukay was on his way to Penn State despite the confidence of Ohio State posters, he wanted his ass kissed some and we wouldn't do it but that didn't deter him from eventually signing...sister is at Penn State and was prior to Sukay signing.

Justin King wanted to help turn things around at Penn State and clearly had his own interests. Florida, UM were certainly in the mix. UF fires Zook, doesn't make a good impression on Terry & Justin and they lose out on the #1 CB prospect. King comes to Penn State, essentially convincing Williams to come, which in turn convinces Bowman to take a hard look...recruiting is silly.

We need to get the ball rolling a bit, I feel like we are playing it slow with Jeremiah Young because of Tavon Austin and Brandon Wegher - there skills may indeed translate better to the collegiate level but who really knows? Picking up Young [if/when he gets an offer], Jordan Hill [if/when he gets an offer], Jack Lippert [if/when he gets an offer] could really get the ball rolling in-state and persuade a Todd Thomas or Jaleel Clark to join them. It is going to be interesting to see what goes on with a few PA/MD prospects [Thomas, Morris, Smith, Mason, Arnett, Stanley, Maples, etc.], VA WRs [Brandon Scott & others], NJ prospects [Stockton, LaLota, Carson, Hodges, etc.]. We are stuck on 1 commit, we need someone to pull the trigger. I don't know if it will be an in-state prospect during or after the spring game, Marrow, Love or who but we need something to happen.

We covet other DEs much more than Jack Lippert, although with the class we are expected to be bringing in I don't see the harm in sending a ship his way. If Arnett, Stanley and others shy away because of it so be it. Eric Latimore is 6'6 260 + and has 4 years of eligibility, Devon Still is 6'6-6'5 295 [hopefully he will make a switch to LT...if not DT/DE] and has 4 years of eligibility left. Maurice Evans 2, Aaron Maybin 3, Jerome Hayes 2, Jack Crawford 4, Pete Massarro 4.

[PSU42Fan]

Originally Posted by GoRU

I've been holding my tongue at some of the things said here, but this is a little over the line.

1. From all indications, PSU is not the leader for Newsome (silent to VT already) or Forcier (just going by the same Michigan rumors that everyone's read). That's why I think this absurd talk about Savage is just a pre-emptive rationalization given his lack of interest.

Well, Bob Lichtenfels said as much a couple of days ago, so its not so far fetched.