Getting an offer from any Division I school before high school is sweet, especially when it’s from a school like Penn State.
It was even sweeter for Zykee Scott, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound linebacker that will be playing at Philadelphia power Imhotep Charter High School.
PSU was the first school to offer Scott, doing so earlier this week at the Imhotep Showcase in Philly.
Blessed to say I have received my first offer from Penn State University #WeAre @DBarnes_18 @cy_woodland @yusuftribble @TepFootball pic.twitter.com/13HDqqEKbn
— Zykee Scott (@ZykeeScott) May 17, 2023
Due largely to his grandfather’s love of Penn State football, Scott has grown up watching PSU.
“I’m a big Penn State fan,” Scott told Nittany Sports Now.
“My grandfather actually loves Penn State, so of all the college teams, I probably watch Penn State and Alabama the most. I like Penn State a lot.”
It doesn’t hurt that this linebacker’s first offer came from “Linebacker University,” either.
Scott’s favorite current Penn State player is Abdul Carter. His favorite NFL linebacker is Micah Parsons. Both were Pennsylvania products that went to PSU and wore the famous No. 11.
It’s far too early to tell if Scott will follow that path. He still needs to play a high school game.
But for now, Scott describes himself as an “intelligent” linebacker.
“I’m a smart player,” he said. “I can be aggressive. I’m an all-around linebacker.”
PSU and defensive line coach Deion Barnes also saw something in Scott.
At the showcase, one of Scott’s coaches called him over and introduced him to Barnes. Barnes is expected to be a significant asset for PSU in recruiting Philadelphia talent.
The conversation was roughly two minutes, Scott said, but in that window, Barnes gave him the news that made his day.
“I was shocked and very excited at the same time,” he said.
Scott’s never been to Beaver Stadium for a game but would love to attend one soon.
In the meantime, Scott plans on going to some 7-on-7 camps with Imhotep over the summer and said that PSU and Rutgers are among the places.
Scott has the next four years to carve out a legacy at Imhotep, a powerhouse that has been in the last two state title games.
The PSU offer is only the beginning for Scott, who will pick up many more before deciding. But with PSU being the first school to and having a reputation for churning out star linebackers, the thought will be there.
“Me being a linebacker and LBU offering me,” he said, “Penn State will always be in mind.”
