I should be able to speak with someone from IMG about Nolan’s visit tomorrow. Two of the guys I chat with down there told me to reach out once Nolan gets back on campus. So, I’m hoping to get some basic feedback tomorrow. Nolan isn’t big on interviews.
I did touch base with contacts at PSU, but only briefly. It’s been a really hectic weekend for the staff. Between all the travel lately, this visit, running a practice this weekend, etc.,
But I know Micah and Jesse Luketa really hit it off well with Smith. That was a great decision by the staff. Micah gets a lot of the attention due to his social media presence, and don’t get me wrong, he’s great, but Luketa has also been great during these visits this year. He’s helped with a few guys now. Micah and Jesse are roommates, so they’ve been PSU’s go-to pair when it comes to hosting players this season.
But the main reason he came was because of how much Smith likes this staff. He’s always liked their personalities and just the way they go about recruiting. That only strengthened this weekend. They’re a younger staff and they know how to relate. That sells with a lot of these guys, but it’s been probably the main selling point with Smith.
But like I said, I want to speak with people down at IMG to get a real feel for Penn State’s chances following this visit. PSU contacts always feel good following these visits. How he feels when he goes back to IMG will tell me so much more when it comes whether or not the Lions are a serious player here. Hopefully, I can post more for you all tomorrow.
ADDED: Monday - 8 AM
I was able to message with one of my contacts down at IMG this morning.
"I think Penn State definitely gave Nolan something to think about. He enjoyed his time up there and they exceeded his expectations. Coach Franklin knows how to organize a visit."
I also asked about Mel Tucker's decision to leave Georgia and whether that could have an impact on Nolan.
"It's tough to say right now since it just happened. I think he has a closer relationship with [Kirby] Smart and [linebacker coach Dan] Lanning, but Tucker has recruited him, too. I think [whomever] Kirby replaces him with could have an impact."
I'm planning to speak with IMG's media relations rep at some point today to get more feedback.
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