PITTSBURGH – Kemon Spell committed to Penn State Aug. 2, 2024, at the start of his sophomore season at McKeesport High School in the Pittsburgh Area.
At the time, Spell was emerging as a four-star recruit with talent and upside to be a bona fide piece of the 2027 class.
Oh, the difference a year makes.
Spell is now a five-star prospect, according to almost every recruiting service, and is the No. 1 running back in the class. 247Sports ranks Spells as the best player in Pennsylvania and No. 9 in the country on the 247Sports Composite scale, graded at 0.9959.
He could become one of the best recruits in the James Franklin era, if not the best.
Things took a turn after Spell debuted for his junior year Saturday afternoon at the historic Wolvarena outside Pittsburgh.
Spell ran for 293 yards on 13 carries against Delaware Valley. He took the opening kickoff back 98 yards for a touchdown and scored on the first three times he touched the ball. He scored five touchdowns, four rushing, in McKeesport’s 51-24 victory. He’s that good.
Nittany Sports Now caught up with Spell after the game about his historic performance and continued communication with Penn State.
“We Are,” Spell said when initially asked about the Nittany Lions. “Hey, We Are. They told me to have a great game. I can’t wait to send my film out to them and see what they say.”
How much contact has Spell had with the staff?
“A lot,” Spell said. “We talk every day… It’s been great.”
Spell said Penn State calls him every day and has enjoyed the conversations.
Spell’s final touchdown was herculean, avoiding five defenders and breaking tackles with an inexpressive side step and spin move.
“I watch Saquon Barkley, and he does that a lot,” Spell said.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Amid lofty expectations for McKeesport to win a WPIAL Championship, Spell is keeping his eye on the high goals and aspirations of the Nittany Lions to win it all.
“They’re great. They have fun,” Spell said. “I love their running backs coach (Stan Drayton). Great running back room. I’m excited to get up there for the games.”
Significant questions arose Tuesday when Hayes Fawcett of On3/Rivals reported there are six schools Spell would consider flipping to if he decommitted from Penn State.
Spell told Fawcett that Ohio State, Tennessee, USC, Alabama, Notre Dame, and Michigan are all in the running for him.
USC offered Spell on Monday. He told Fawcett he will go to gameday visits to each school, beginning with Ohio State’s matchup against Texas this weekend.
The move has raised eyebrows across the state regarding how committed Spell is to the Nittany Lions.
On March 29, Happy Valley United posted a video with Spell, where the elite running back said he was ending his recruitment.
“I just shut down my recruitment. I just got done with coach (James) Franklin,” Spell said.
Spell also gave his initial impression of new running backs coach, Stan Drayton. Drayton joined Penn State after Ja’Juan Seider left for the same position and was also named associate head coach at Notre Dame. Drayton spent the last three years as the head coach at Temple.
“I love him,” Spell said. “Getting to know him more. I can’t wait to work with him.”
As Spell continues to build a high profile, I asked him how excited he is to continue rising as he journeys on to Penn State.
“It’s a great thing. It’s a great thing to do. I’m excited to get up there.”
Penn State begins the 2025 season hosting Nevada at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
