Penn State football’s had great success in recruiting the western part of the state.
Five of the program’s Class of 2025 commits are from the WPIAL.
One of Penn State’s top 2024 signees, Quinton Martin, came to PSU this winter after an historic career at Belle Vernon, and PSU also signed Pittsburgh Central Catholic stars Antony Speca and Peter Gonzalez from that class.
Now, Penn State’s first Class of 2027 commit is making some headlines.
After starring on the field as freshmen, players from around the country in the Class of 2027 are starting to receive their stars and rankings.
Most recently, On3 revealed its initial Top 100 players in the cycle and three WPIAL products earned a spot on the list, including one who received an elite designation.
McKeesport running back Kemon Spell ranked No. 7 on the list, with Imani Christian cornerback Gabriel Jenkins at No. 54 and Aliquippa cornerback Larry Moon III checking in at No. 91.
Spell — a 5-foot-10, 195-pound Penn State commit — continues to earn national recognition as one of the top rising sophomores in the country. On3 ranks Spell as a four-star recruit and the No. 1 running back in the class. Last week, Rivals ranked him as the 59th-best player in the class.
🚨NEW🚨 Initial On3 2027 Top 100 football ranking
Breakdown via @CharlesPower: https://t.co/gyMd0Mw6t6 pic.twitter.com/QxhuDjXLD7
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) August 19, 2024
The running back orchestrated an outstanding freshman season with McKeesport posting 37 carries for 517 yards (14.1 yards per carry) for an 11-2 Tigers squad that played eventual PIAA Class-4A champs Aliquippa close in the playoffs.
He held offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Florida State, Pitt, West Virginia and other Power Four schools, but decided it was the right time to commit early and get the ball rolling for the Nittany Lions.
Jenkins — a 6-foot, 175-pound prospect — received a four-star ranking and is listed as the No. 3 player in the state of Pennsylvania. He slots in as the sixth-best corner in the class.
During his freshman season, Jenkins recorded four interceptions, and 50-plus tackles with at least five coming for a loss. In turn, that led to increased recruiting interest as he holds offers from Penn State, Michigan State, Pitt, West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, UCF and more.
Moon — a 5-foot-10, 170-pound prospect — earned a four-star ranking from On3 and is the fourth-ranked player from the state, along with the eight-best recruit at his position.
Making the jump from Central Catholic to Aliquippa, Moon enters the season as MaxPreps First-Team Sophomore All-American. He holds 35-plus offers from programs such as Pitt, Penn State, LSU, USC, Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, West Virginia and more.
