Alex Birchmeier, a five-star offensive lineman who is thought by many to be the crown jewel of Penn State’s 2023 recruiting class, will be enrolling at Penn State early.
Birchmeier told Lions247 that he’ll be taking classes at Penn State starting in January.
Birchmeier is the No. 1 player in Virginia, the No. 1 offensive lineman and the No. 23 overall recruit in the country from his class. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound offensive lineman out of Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Virginia, chose Penn State over Notre Dame and Virginia Tech.
He’s also an accomplished wrestler, winning state championships in wrestling as a sophomore and junior. His early enrollment means he won’t be able to defend his title in 2023.
National recruiting analyst Brian Dohn is impressed by Birchmeier’s ability to be physical and his nasty streak. Dohn talks about his how his athleticism shines through constantly, especially when he pulls out in the running game, and also said Birchmeier has excellent flexibility and body control.
He uses his wrestling background to win leverage battles and has a great initial punch in pass protection.
Birchmeier told 247Sports that the opportunity to work with a former NFL offensive lineman in Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein was a big factor in committing.
“I think coach Trautwein is a great coach,” Birchmeier said. “Young dude, it’s definitely easy to relate to him. He has good experience at Boston College and Penn State and he’s done a good job so far, which piqued my interest a lot. He spent six years in the league, so he can get me to the next level.”
Birchmeier is the first Penn State commitment from the Class of 2023 to decide to enroll in classes early. J’ven Williams, a four-star offensive lineman from Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, recently told Nittany Sports Now that he plans to enroll early as well.
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