A note on TA Cunningham 6'6" 275 lb DT who is making his commitment 7/22/2023

[Online Persona]

A year ago, he was the #5 player at any position on 247. He has slipped to 4 star #234 overall at any position over the past year. Some indications are that some of his rankings issue has been due to changing high schools it seems twice since. I have zero background on why he changed high schools, if he hasn't camped recently, or if he was simply passed up by others. But he seems to be a high ceiling but possibly higher risk? I don't know for sure. It would be nice if the staff had some more information to clarify.

Either way, he is projected by Wiltfong to PSU. I'll be excited if we can land this talented young man just one day after top 100 DT Andrews.

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

He also has a younger brother who is 6'5" 230 already and is in 2027 class.

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

Just noticed his younger brother, TK is in the 2027 class and already has 19 offers from the big boys. You don't see that too often so far out. We have offered already. Michigan, LSU, USC, etc...

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

Here is the story on T.A. Cunningham

T.A. Cunningham left homeless, without football | The NIL Deal

T.A. Cunningham is in a legal battle with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) who deemed him ineligible to play this season.

www.nildealnow.com

 

[Online Persona]

Here is the story on T.A. Cunningham

T.A. Cunningham left homeless, without football | The NIL Deal

T.A. Cunningham is in a legal battle with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) who deemed him ineligible to play this season.

www.nildealnow.com

Wow, what a story! So he dropped from the #1 DL in HS because he was forced to sit this past year. The circumstances are crazy. Hope he can just focus on football and if he does, he seems to have the talent to get to the NFL and take care of his family. This is where we are clearly taking a risk but a coach like Franklin could potentially make all the difference.

 

[Agoodnap]

I think it would be best to let another school have him.

 

[olelion]

I think it would be best to let another school have him.

I agree. This has $hitstorm written all over it

 

[NittanyChris]

Does anyone know when he is planning to announce? Would love to get this talented young man on our team.

 

[Online Persona]

I think it would be best to let another school have him.

I wouldn't go that far. I acknowledge there appears to be risk but there also appears to be a massive upside if he has the proper focus. It's an opportunity to positively impact the young man and his family. If it doesn't work, he will would likely move on. But I think we have the right culture in place and Franklin is the type of leader where a kid like this just might flourish.

 

[Ian]

Poor kid needs stability and a serious father(s) figure and it appears that Franklin, Barnes, and the rest of the defensive coaching staff are the committee to provide it. Definitely worth the risk as the reward could be enormous. Doesn’t sound like a troubled teen. Just talented and taken advantage of. HV is a great place to decompress from chaos and big city lights!

 

[Agoodnap]

I wouldn't go that far. I acknowledge there appears to be risk but there also appears to be a massive upside if he has the proper focus. It's an opportunity to positively impact the young man and his family. If it doesn't work, he will would likely move on. But I think we have the right culture in place and Franklin is the type of leader where a kid like this just might flourish.

I get it, I really do. However, I don't think Franklin will have much of an impact on his father. There are many good coaches out there who could help this young man and I'd prefer some other coach make the attempt.

As always, this is JMO.

Did you read the story posted above?

 

[marshall23]

I agree. This has $hitstorm written all over it

Yeah, the coaches probably don't know nearly as much about him as we do.

 

[Online Persona]

I get it, I really do. However, I don't think Franklin will have much of an impact on his father. There are many good coaches out there who could help this young man and I'd prefer some other coach make the attempt.

As always, this is JMO.

Did you read the story posted above?

Of course I did and I certainly seem to have more faith in Franklin than you. I have heard criticisms of some of his game day decisions but I've never heard anyone who thinks he doesn't care for his players as young men. There are a lot of coaches that maybe treat it differently.

 

[Agoodnap]

Of course I did and I certainly seem to have more faith in Franklin than you. I have heard criticisms of some of his game day decisions but I've never heard anyone who thinks he doesn't care for his players as young men. There are a lot of coaches that maybe treat it differently.

Did you read what the father orchestrated? Don't pretend that you get the kid without his father because you won't. I would let someone else attempt to help.

 

[The Spin Meister]

This story is pretty light on details. Why was the family evicted from their home in Georgia which started this whole mess? That could have major impact on his future. Also, says he moved along with his younger brother but doesn’t say if the younger kid is homeless or are they staying together.

And the courts should order Flores and his company to provide housing and basic human supplies in California. Hell, throw Flores out of his home so the kids have a place to stay. Terrible for the kid and his brother to move and then end up homeless because Flores is charged for criminal activity.

And depending on the circumstances in Georgia, he/they should deserve hardship status as they were homeless when they moved to California.

I would think Franklin and staff need to do some serious work to determine whether to pursue him. Hopefully, he is a good kid caught up in a bad situation. And the damage done to him by this and how he reacts to it will be telling.

If he seems like a good kid it won’t hurt much to have him come for a year. If he is a problem child that is disruptive to the team he can always be transferred out. And Penn State may be just what he needs

 

[Online Persona]

Did you read what the father orchestrated? Don't pretend that you get the kid without his father because you won't. I would let someone else attempt to help.

He exchanged text messages with the NIL company to set up housing, transportation, and meals for his son to go to school and play in California. You don't think this isn't going on all over the country? It's going on at likely every Catholic school in PA. It's going on at a grander scale at IMG in Florida pulling kids from half of the country. Should we not recruit the Catholic schools in our state or IMG?

 

[Online Persona]

This story is pretty light on details. Why was the family evicted from their home in Georgia which started this whole mess? That could have major impact on his future. Also, says he moved along with his younger brother but doesn’t say if the younger kid is homeless or are they staying together.

And the courts should order Flores and his company to provide housing and basic human supplies in California. Hell, throw Flores out of his home so the kids have a place to stay. Terrible for the kid and his brother to move and then end up homeless because Flores is charged for criminal activity.

And depending on the circumstances in Georgia, he/they should deserve hardship status as they were homeless when they moved to California.

I would think Franklin and staff need to do some serious work to determine whether to pursue him. Hopefully, he is a good kid caught up in a bad situation. And the damage done to him by this and how he reacts to it will be telling.

If he seems like a good kid it won’t hurt much to have him come for a year. If he is a problem child that is disruptive to the team he can always be transferred out. And Penn State may be just what he needs

He's committing to likely PSU later today. The staff has already done their homework and has determined that he is worth a take.

 

[The Spin Meister]

He's committing to likely PSU later today. The staff has already done their homework and has determined that he is worth a take.

Can they get him here and enrolled in State College? Or Belfonte? Or Boalsburg? Or is that some kind of tampering?

 

[Agoodnap]

He exchanged text messages with the NIL company to set up housing, transportation, and meals for his son to go to school and play in California. You don't think this isn't going on all over the country? It's going on at likely every Catholic school in PA. It's going on at a grander scale at IMG in Florida pulling kids from half of the country. Should we not recruit the Catholic schools in our state or IMG?

You make a lot of assumptions and seem to like to argue. Just accept that I wouldn't take him and move on.

 

[Online Persona]

You make a lot of assumptions and seem to like to argue. Just accept that I wouldn't take him and move on.

Your very last post directly asked me a question. I merely answered. Was I not supposed to answer your question?

 

[Online Persona]

Can they get him here and enrolled in State College? Or Belfonte? Or Boalsburg? Or is that some kind of tampering?

Good questions. I do wonder where he is attending school for his senior year though. Perhaps the staff can do a follow up interview to get these details.

 

[NittanyChris]

Much of the discussion on this thread is based on speculation with very little knowledge of the facts. I’m comfortable assuming that the PSU coaches have done their homework and know much more than any poster on this thread. That said, if they’re comfortable taking him, then I’m all in.

 

[Online Persona]

Much of the discussion on this thread is based on speculation with very little knowledge of the facts. I’m comfortable assuming that the PSU coaches have done their homework and know much more than any poster on this thread. That said, if they’re comfortable taking him than I’m all in.

I feel the same. I also feel like the day of this young man's announcement is not the time to go to a message board of his likely choice school and state that you don't agree with giving him an opportunity that the staff obviously does want to offer.

 

[Coultr77]

Does anyone know when he is planning to announce? Would love to get this talented young man on our team.

1:30 today

 

[LMTLION]

Can they get him here and enrolled in State College? Or Belfonte? Or Boalsburg? Or is that some kind of tampering?

I would get him into the Harrisburg region (or anywhere in the SE quadrant of PA) for more quality competition to help him continue to develop.

 

[Ward Hog]

Should just move them (he and brother) to State College High and hook them up with NIL $. Didn't we have a future wrestler move to State College for his senior year so he could work out at Nittany Wrestling? This seems the same so long as PSU's not footing the bill.

Only concern is father being an issue. Sounds like Dad wants to be supported by his kids. That can be a bad recipe, but Franklin is pretty good at this type of stuff.

 

[tboyer]

Whether it works out or not with this guy, it does seem as if PSU is starting to make noise in defensive line recruiting since Franklin promoted Barnes. This is a good start.

There seems to be excitement around the PSU DL program. LJ Sr. is definitely nearing retirement age and maybe it's time to pass the torch to the next generation. And Diaz's defense seems to attract interest -- front 7 players love playing in his schemes.

 

[ncgolfer]

He could end up a $hitstorm but I’ll trust Franklin’s judgement here. He knows a lot more about Cunningham and his situation than any of us do.

 

[GregInPitt]

Seems like the kind of kid that could thrive with the help and direction that Franklin, Diaz and Barnes will provide!!

 

[Online Persona]

Whether it works out or not with this guy, it does seem as if PSU is starting to make noise in defensive line recruiting since Franklin promoted Barnes. This is a good start.

There seems to be excitement around the PSU DL program. LJ Sr. is definitely nearing retirement age and maybe it's time to pass the torch to the next generation. And Diaz's defense seems to attract interest -- front 7 players love playing in his schemes.

Yeah, I know LJ in his prime was the best but LJ at 75? Not sure that plays as well as Barnes who learned under LJ and not only can walk across the field without losing his breath but also demonstrate the technique personally.

 

[Roar More]

If the father is a problem, the kid will not be committing to Penn State. The family will be chasing better NIL somewhere else. If he commits to the good guys, it will be because this is where he wants to be.

 

[PSUcup1]

He could end up a $hitstorm but I’ll trust Franklin’s judgement here. He knows a lot more about Cunningham and his situation than any of us do.

This. Those saying don’t take him are crazy

 

[marshall23]

All off season many here have slobbering over every portal fat guy. Now we get selective ? What's the down side? I think the staff knows how to send trouble packing should it arise.

 

[Thomas1945]

I would get him into the Harrisburg region (or anywhere in the SE quadrant of PA) for more quality competition to help him continue to develop.

You’re probably not aware of this, so I’m not busting your chops. He’s going to play this season with Miami Central High, one of the premier high school teams in the Nation. They are loaded with talent and play a very competitive schedule. He will have to work hard to receive quality playing time there. So quality competition and development isn’t a problem.

 

[marshall23]

You’re probably not aware of this, so I’m not busting your chops. He’s going to play this season with Miami Central High, one of the premier high school teams in the Nation. They are loaded with talent and play a very competitive schedule. He will have to work hard to receive quality playing time there. So quality competition and development isn’t a problem.

Yes. Instead of speculating if PSU should accept his commitment, the concern should be if he does commit, can "we" sign him.

 

[lazydave841]

Did you read what the father orchestrated? Don't pretend that you get the kid without his father because you won't. I would let someone else attempt to help

Do you think he's the only father working behind the scenes?

All off season many here have slobbering over every portal fat guy. Now we get selective ? What's the down side? I think the staff knows how to send trouble packing should it arise.

If this kid and his family are a problem that they've concealed, processing is very easy these days. Our most vocal recruit recruiter from the '22 class was gone within 2 weeks of arriving on campus.

Easy to understand why he dropped. Didn't play his junior year. Probably couldn't afford to camp is they were homeless. Is the dad milking NIL? Perhaps. His son is at a Miami HS that's nationally competitive now, so I'm assuming Florida didn't interfere like Cali did.

 

[marshall23]

Do you think he's the only father working behind the scenes?



If this kid and his family are a problem that they've concealed, processing is very easy these days. Our most vocal recruit recruiter from the '22 class was gone within 2 weeks of arriving on campus.

Easy to understand why he dropped. Didn't play his junior year. Probably couldn't afford to camp is they were homeless. Is the dad milking NIL? Perhaps. His son is at a Miami HS that's nationally competitive now, so I'm assuming Florida didn't interfere like Cali did.

Every state HS athletic association has rules to regulate transfer students. I'm familiar with the process here in NY. I'm assuming all now have NIL regulations as well. Here an athlete can enjoy an NIL agreement, but cannot promote his school in the agreement. So if an athlete here in NY promotes say an auto dealership......it can only reference his name, image and likeness....no team name, school name or apparel.

 

[Agoodnap]

Do you think he's the only father working behind the scenes?

If this kid and his family are a problem that they've concealed, processing is very easy these days. Our most vocal recruit recruiter from the '22 class was gone within 2 weeks of arriving on campus.

No I don't, but I wouldn't be taking any of the others as well.

His family has already proven they are a problem. I guess you could consider it the devil you know vs the devil you don't know. 🤷‍♂️.

 

[marshall23]

No I don't, but I wouldn't be taking any of the others as well.

His family has already proven they are a problem. I guess you could consider it the devil you know vs the devil you don't know. 🤷‍♂️.

The rules have changed. Every 4 and 5 star is asking about NIL deals. While PSU has a fan base that feels "we deserve better" it isn't going to happen without those very same 4 and 5 stars who are looking for $$$$. I don't like it. But those are the rules. Until PSU becomes a big time player with NIL $$$ they won't be a player for the top 5 star talent around the country.
Joe Paterno and his values are the big reason I became and remain a PSU fan at age 73. But Joe is long gone and so is the college football landscape he once ruled.

 

[Agoodnap]

The rules have changed. Every 4 and 5 star is asking about NIL deals. While PSU has a fan base that feels "we deserve better" it isn't going to happen without those very same 4 and 5 stars who are looking for $$$$. I don't like it. But those are the rules. Until PSU becomes a big time player with NIL $$$ they won't be a player for the top 5 star talent around the country.
Joe Paterno and his values are the big reason I became and remain a PSU fan at age 73. But Joe is long gone and so is the college football landscape he once ruled.

Looking for NIL deals on the up and up is fine according to the rules. But, brokering your son, a rising HS Junior, to move across the country and to play in a strange place without verifying eligibility is a bit over the top. I'm not sure of the kids age, but a rising Junior is typically 16 year old. That's crazy. Of course this is just my opinion.