In late June, we examined the Penn State football recruiting board for the Class of 2022. Since that time, the Nittany Lions have doubled their class size, and the outlook for the class has changed drastically. Here’s an updated look at the recruiting board, which includes the players already committed, who else might join the group as the cycle progresses, and which former targets are off the board.
Changes since the previous articles are reflected, as new commits are in bold, players who have committed elsewhere are scratched off, and new targets are in italics.
Quarterback
Commits: 2 (Drew Allar, Beau Pribula)
Projected spots remaining: 0
Notable targets: None
Nothing has changed here, as Allar and Pribula will be the QBs of the class, barring something unforeseen.
Running back
Commits: 2
Projected spots remaining: 0
Notable targets: Nicholas Singleton, George Pettaway, Kaytron Allen, Omarion Hampton, Ramon Brown, Damari Alston
The Nittany Lions made quite a splash in addressing running back last month, as they secured commitments from arguably their two biggest targets. Singleton was the biggest priority, and the Pennsylvania product made the call for the Nittany Lions on July 6, becoming the highest-rated offensive member of the class. Allen, who attends IMG Academy in Florida but hails from Virginia, gave the Nittany Lions a formidable duo with his commitment 10 days later. Although Pettaway is also a top talent who expressed significant interest in Penn State, it appears as though he will end up elsewhere unless something changes with either Singleton or Allen before signing day.
“It’s an incredible turnaround, because the 2021 class … was anything but great for Penn State.” — Sean Meyers, on the podcast below.
PODCAST: Where will PSU end up in final recruiting rankings? Sean Meyers discusses with Cory Giger.
Wide receiver
Commits: 3-5 (Kaden Saunders, Anthony Ivey, Tyler Johnson, (possibly) Mehki Flowers
Projected spots remaining: 0-1
Notable targets: Darrius Clemons, Nicholas Anderson, (possibly) Cristian Driver, Andre Greene Jr.
Driver represents one of the most recent commits for Penn State, and although recruiting services typically project him as a safety, it appears as though he’ll get a shot to stick at receiver with the Nittany Lions. The four-star prospect from Texas certainly has the genetics, as his father Donald Driver enjoyed a lengthy NFL career as a receiver. With both he and Flowers possessing the versatility to play on either side of the ball, Darrius Clemons remains in play. The four-star prospect from Oregon listed Penn State among his three finalists earlier this week, although a decision may not be imminent. Andre Greene Jr., a four-star from Richmond, Virginia, recently made an unofficial visit to Penn State.
Tight end
Commits: 1 (Jerry Cross)
Projected spots remaining: 0
Notable targets: Benji Gosnell
With the class nearly full already, it’s hard to imagine Penn State pushing to add another tight end. Benji Gosnell recently ended his commitment to Ohio State, and he has a Penn State offer, but the four-star North Carolina native appears to be a long shot.
Offensive line
Commits: 3 (Drew Shelton, Maleek McNeil)
Projected spots remaining: 1
Notable targets: Aamil Wagner, Gunner Givens, Ryan Brubaker, Andre Roye, JB Nelson
Nelson, a junior college player from Lackawanna College, started the commitment spree on July 2. Among the players still in the mix, Wagner took an official visit to Penn State in June, but Ohio State and Notre Dame are among the schools also in contention. Roye, meanwhile, has set a commitment date of Sept. 22. Although he’s rated as a three-star lineman, he’s been a priority target for PSU. Playing for St. Frances Academy in Maryland, Roye also is considering Maryland, Rutgers, NC State, and Arizona State. More than any other position, it seems like the offensive line is where the Nittany Lions intend to add another player in this class.
Defensive line
Commits: 4 (Ken Talley)
Projected spots remaining: 0-1
Notable targets: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Derrick Moore, Alex VanSumeren, Joe Strickland, Tyreese Fearbry, Anto Saka, Zane Durant, Kaleb Artis, Joshua Josephs, Micah Wing, DJ Wesolak
Dennis-Sutton represents the crown jewel on the defensive side of this class for Penn State, as he became the highest-rated player when he chose the Nittany Lions on July 22. Artis, from New York, and Durant, from Florida, both pledged on July 4. Tyreese Fearbry also committed the same day, giving the Nittany Lions a stellar trio of defensive lineman, but the Pittsburgh City League product backed off his pledge late in July. While he’s since visited campus and could still be in the mix, the Nittany Lions may shift focus elsewhere. Among the notable options is DJ Wesolak, a four-star edge rusher from Boonville, Missouri. He previously stated interest in visiting Penn State, while Georgia, Clemson, Florida, and Southern Cal are among his other options.
Linebacker
Commits: 2
Projected spots remaining: 0-1
Notable targets: Jaishawn Barham, Shawn Murphy, Moses Walker, Wesley Bissainthe, Abdul Carter, Keon Wylie
Although he’s excelled on the defensive line in high school, Wylie seems destined to play at linebacker for the Nittany Lions following his commitment on July 3. July concluded with Abdul Carter joining the class, as the LaSalle College standout committed on July 31. Barham remains in play, as the four-star talent from St. Frances Academy in Maryland appears to have narrowed his focus to PSU, Maryland, and South Carolina.
Cornerback
Commits: 1
Projected spots remaining: 0
Notable targets: Keenan Nelson, Cam Miller, Jayden Bellamy, Brian Dilworth
Miller is the only commit listed at cornerback currently, as the four-star Florida talent pledged last week. However, some of the current commits listed as safeties or receivers could also potentially shift to cornerback. Space appears to be tight, but Dilworth, a three-star prospect from Hollywood, Florida, took an unofficial visit to PSU in June.
Safety
Commits: 4-5 (Tyrece Mills, (possibly) Mehki Flowers)
Projected spots remaining: 0
Notable targets: Keon Sabb, (possibly) Cristian Driver, Jordan Allen, Kevin Winston
Safety received a significant boost last month, as three players with safety potential all joined the mix. Winston, a three-star talent, seems like a sure bet to stick at the position, while Allen (cornerback) and Driver (receiver) could shift elsewhere. Will Mills and possibly Flowers also in the conversation, Penn State seems to be full at the position in this class.
Special teams
Commits: 1 (Alex Bacchetta)
Projected spots remaining: None
Notable targets: None
The status for special teams remains unchanged, as with perhaps the best punter in the country in the fold, Penn State is not pursuing anyone else.
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