James Franklin and his program will host Mantrez Walker, a top linebacker prospect in the Class of 2025 this Saturday when they take on Indiana.
A 4-star inside linebacker, Walker will be at Beaver Stadium this coming Saturday for an unofficial visit. The heavily recruited linebacker (6’0″, 220-pound) is from talent rich Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. Rivals.com rates Walker as one of the Top 200 juniors in the country and one of the Top 15 inside linebackers.
Despite being only a junior, Walker has already committed to and then decommitted from a school. Back in February, Walker pledged to Jim Harbaugh and Michigan but then in September, he had second thoughts and opened back up his recruitment. At the time of his original commitment to the Wolverines in February, it was a surprise to many because of the strong relationship he had already formed with Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Anthony Poindexter.
So, it comes as no surprise that one of the first visits Mantrez Walker is making post Michigan is to Happy Valley.
Nittany Sports Now caught up on Tuesday with Walker to get a pulse on his current thoughts on Penn State and what he’s looking to see or learn this weekend. Saturday’s visit will be Walker’s second to Penn State, his first being back in January.
“I’m just looking to be back in the environment, watch the game scheme, get to see how the defense operates and how I would fit inside of it,” said Walker. “Also, getting a chance to reconnect with the coaches in person. Since my decommitment, Penn State definitely is one of my top schools, if not the top one.”
As I previously mentioned, Walker’s interest in Penn State isn’t something that’s new. NSN asked him what exactly has got and kept him so interested in the Nittany Lions.
“Just them being real football coaches and taking the time to watch my film and see how I’m good for them and my style of play fits them. I also know how I can be developed there.”
Since he’s back on the open market, plenty of major programs are back trying to get Walker re-interested in them. Currently, he holds offers from Florida, LSU, Arkansas, Cincinnati, Colorado, Duke, Florida State, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Missouri, Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Central Florida, Virginia Tech, Colorado, Miami Fla. and Stanford.
“My top 10 is coming soon,” said Walker. “I’ll be committing after my official visits this summer.”
It would be shocking if Penn State isn’t in the mix.
