Penn State coach Matt Campbell might or not vow to “dominate the state” in recruiting the way his predecessor did almost 12 years ago, but the school’s ability to recruit in Pennsylvania will always be important.
Nittany Sports Now reached out to several of the state’s top Class of 2027 players to get their reactions both to Campbell’s hiring, and Terry Smith staying as a part of his staff.
Cade Cooper, four-star ATH, Malvern Prep: “I feel the hiring was good because now there is a solidified head coach that can hopefully keep the program running. Especially with coach Terry (Smith) staying he will bring the energy and keep the culture! Hopefully I can build a relationship with Coach Campbell and continue communicating with the Penn State staff.”
Khalil Taylor, four-star WR, Pine-Richland: “Congrats to Coach Campbell but I kinds wish Coach Terry got the job.”
*Taylor had been committed to Penn State before de-committing in October, two days before PSU fired James Franklin.*
Abraham Sesay, four-star DE, Downingtown East: “I think it’s great for them to have finally found a coach and to begin building again, God bless them and excited to learn more!”
Zykee Scott, three-star LB, LaSalle College High School: “I think the hiring is good for Penn State but now they kind of got to start from scratch.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Matthew Gregory, four-star WR, Owen J. Roberts High School (Pottstown): ”I think the Campbell hire was an amazing hire and I’m happy that they finally found a coach also excited to see where he can take the program. Them keeping coach Terry Smith is huge for me because he was my area coach when they first started recruiting me so me and him have built a good relationship.”
Gregory is a big-time prospect.
A 6-foot-2, 175-pound receiver, Gregory has been on Penn State’s radar for a while.
He’s the No. 3 player in PA per 247Sports’ composite rankings, holding offers from schools such as Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, Florida State, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Penn State needs to build its 2027 recruiting class from the ground up. There aren’t currently no commits after Penn State lost all for within 48 hours in October.
