Where we stand with Recruits 7/18

[bmw199]

Update: I decided to do a new thread because there is a lot of news out of this weekend. I’ll start with the bad news, Danny Davis went to Kentucky instead of State College this weekend and picked up a few Crystal Balls to UK; THAT’S IT, all the bad news. What a nice change that is. The good news is everyone who was there said it was ‘lit’ (urban dictionary it). There are a rash of announcement dates coming in the next 2 weeks for guys who were here this weekend and we look great in all of them; I’ll list them below. Also, one of the Pitt twitter posters commented that Pitts looks like a strong PSU lean now, and he got a coveted CB from Sean Fitz. The only person I moved down a section was Hippenhammer because I feel like it’s really close between us and MSU, but we probably have the edge.

Announcements: 7/20-Brelin Faison-Walden; 7/24-Jonathan Sutherland; 8/2-Brailyn Franklin

I think we get all 3. Sutherland is a true Safety that really sees the play developing well. Has sideline to sideline, and nice recovery, speed. Really likes to come up and hit people. BF-W also has sideline to sideline speed, and probably likes to hit even more than Sutherland. The way he plays up by the line I think he is more of a rangy OLB as he develops than a strong safety. Brailyn Franklin literally does everything for his high school team: WR, RB, CB, S, and DEFENSIVE TACKLE! He uses his hands well and clearly has the strength to play close to the line of scrimmage. Will need to fill out a little but again should be a solid rangy OLB in a few years.

With Penn State also leading for Wade, Pitts, and Johnson and having Brown in the bag (who, reports are, really out preformed his ranking at the camp Friday) that is going to give this class a lot of ATH defensive back type players. All are very good and it is never a bad thing to have this many athletes. I think it will have an effect on 2018 though, in that we won’t see many/any corners in that class. AT OLB I don’t expect the pursuit of Anthony or Proctor to slow down even with BF-W and Franklin.

Speaking of 2018 there were more visitors than expected. The one I was most excited about was 4* DT Austin Fountaine from Dematha paling around with Shane Simmons. Here is an updated list of 2018 visitors: RB Ricky Slade, DT P.J. Mustipher, S Kwantel Rains, S Isaiah Humphries, WR Shaquon Anderson-Butts, TE Kyle Pitts, CB Kalon Gervin, WR Jornell Manns, TE Pat Freiermuth, ATH Charlie Katshir, DT Austin Fountaine, DE Dorian Hardy, OT Jaelyn Duncan, QB Quincy Patterson, QB Justin Fields, ATH Jasiah Provillon, TE John Morgan, OG Emil Ekyor, OLB Dallas Grant. No offer: DT Dante Stills, DT/OT Ja’Mion Franklin, OT Rasheed Walker, CB Jarrett Paul, DE/LB Joshua Maize, ILB Matt McElroy

As you can see a lot of names there. IF, IF Penn State can put together a big year then I will be doing these updates a lot for 2018 and will have a lot of very good news frequently.

Commit Watch:
4/5* CB Wade, 4* S Sutherland, 3* ATH Pitts, 3* S/OLB Faison-Walden, 3* CB Johnson, 3* WR Sullivan-Brown, 3* ATH Franklin

Very Good Chance:
3* WR Hippenhammer, 3* DT Wade-Perry

In The Battle:
4* RB/LB Anthony, 4* OLB Proctor, 4* DT Hansard, 4* CB Brown, 3* DT Martin, 3* OT Becton, 3* DL Conliffe, 3* ATH Castro-Fields, 3* S Nelson, 3* Savoy, 3* TE Leitao, 3* DE Oladipo

Work Left To Do:
5* RB Swift, 4* RB McFarland Jr., 4* CB Thomas, 4* WR Webb, 4* ATH Bowden, 4* WR Davis, 4* DL Williams, 4* DL Jeter, 4* WR Capehart, 4* ATH Bell, 4* DE Hudson, 3* OT Warren, 3* WR Hamler, JUCO OT Traore

Have To Get Really Lucky:
5* OT Wilson, 4* DE Young, 4* ATH Hunter, 4* OLB Singleton, 4* C Ruiz, 3* DT Bolds, 3* WR Njoku

 

[cjrugger]

to be clear, the Pitts who is 'leaning towards PSU' is 2017 Derrek, not 2018 Kyle, correct?

 

[Cincinnati Kid]

Update: I decided to do a new thread because there is a lot of news out of this weekend. I’ll start with the bad news, Danny Davis went to Kentucky instead of State College this weekend and picked up a few Crystal Balls to UK; THAT’S IT, all the bad news. What a nice change that is. The good news is everyone who was there said it was ‘lit’ (urban dictionary it). There are a rash of announcement dates coming in the next 2 weeks for guys who were here this weekend and we look great in all of them; I’ll list them below. Also, one of the Pitt twitter posters commented that Pitts looks like a strong PSU lean now, and he got a coveted CB from Sean Fitz. The only person I moved down a section was Hippenhammer because I feel like it’s really close between us and MSU, but we probably have the edge.

Announcements: 7/20-Brelin Faison-Walden; 7/23-Jonathan Sutherland; 8/2-Brailyn Franklin

I think we get all 3. Sutherland is a true Safety that really sees the play developing well. Has sideline to sideline, and nice recovery, speed. Really likes to come up and hit people. BF-W also has sideline to sideline speed, and probably likes to hit even more than Sutherland. The way he plays up by the line I think he is more of a rangy OLB as he develops than a strong safety. Brailyn Franklin literally does everything for his high school team: WR, RB, CB, S, and DEFENSIVE TACKLE! He uses his hands well and clearly has the strength to play close to the line of scrimmage. Will need to fill out a little but again should be a solid rangy OLB in a few years.

With Penn State also leading for Wade, Pitts, and Johnson and having Brown in the bag (who, reports are, really out preformed his ranking at the camp Friday) that is going to give this class a lot of ATH defensive back type players. All are very good and it is never a bad thing to have this many athletes. I think it will have an effect on 2018 though, in that we won’t see many/any corners in that class. AT OLB I don’t expect the pursuit of Anthony or Proctor to slow down even with BF-W and Franklin.

Speaking of 2018 there were more visitors than expected. The one I was most excited about was 4* DT Austin Fountaine from Dematha paling around with Shane Simmons. Here is an updated list of 2018 visitors: RB Ricky Slade, DT P.J. Mustipher, S Kwantel Rains, S Isaiah Humphries, WR Shaquon Anderson-Butts, TE Kyle Pitts, CB Kalon Gervin, WR Jornell Manns, TE Pat Freiermuth, ATH Charlie Katshir, DT Austin Fountaine, DE Dorian Hardy, OT Jaelyn Duncan, QB Quincy Patterson, QB Justin Fields, ATH Jasiah Provillon, TE John Morgan, OG Emil Ekyor, OLB Dallas Grant. No offer: DT Dante Stills, DT/OT Ja’Mion Franklin, OT Rasheed Walker, CB Jarrett Paul, DE/LB Joshua Maize, ILB Matt McElroy

As you can see a lot of names there. IF, IF Penn State can put together a big year then I will be doing these updates a lot for 2018 and will have a lot of very good news frequently.

Commit Watch:
4/5* CB Wade, 4* S Sutherland, 3* ATH Pitts, 3* S/OLB Faison-Walden, 3* CB Johnson, 3* WR Sullivan-Brown, 3* ATH Franklin

Very Good Chance:
3* WR Hippenhammer, 3* DT Wade-Perry

In The Battle:
4* RB/LB Anthony, 4* OLB Proctor, 4* DT Hansard, 4* CB Brown, 3* DT Martin, 3* OT Becton, 3* DL Conliffe, 3* ATH Castro-Fields, 3* S Nelson, 3* Savoy, 3* TE Leitao, 3* DE Oladipo

Work Left To Do:
5* RB Swift, 4* RB McFarland Jr., 4* CB Thomas, 4* WR Webb, 4* ATH Bowden, 4* WR Davis, 4* DL Williams, 4* DL Jeter, 4* WR Capehart, 4* ATH Bell, 4* DE Hudson, 3* OT Warren, 3* WR Hamler, JUCO OT Traore

Have To Get Really Lucky:
5* OT Wilson, 4* DE Young, 4* ATH Hunter, 4* OLB Singleton, 4* C Ruiz, 3* DT Bolds, 3* WR Njoku

While we may lead for Wade at this time, I would not put him on Commit Watch yet. He is going to take a few more visits.

 

[bmw199]

While we may lead for Wade at this time, I would not put him on Commit Watch yet. He is going to take a few more visits.

I forgot the disclaimer I normally include:

My opinion on where we stand with recruits based on rumors, where the coaching staff has made serious effort, offers, tweets (sometimes) and gut feeling. My categories(and their meanings) are Commit Watch (changed from Locks as to not offend recruiting gods), Very good chance(we sit very well with the recruit and are either the leader or perceived leader), In the Battle(We have a good shot and are equal to others or just slightly behind), Work left to do(there is another perceived leader or little information known on recruits intentions), Have to get really lucky(small chance to little to none), and Former Interest(players that Penn State was previously interested in that most likely no longer have committable offers).

What I mean is that the category commit watch doesn't mean impending decision so much as it does if they choose today I think it's us.

 

[bmw199]

to be clear, the Pitts who is 'leaning towards PSU' is 2017 Derrek, not 2018 Kyle, correct?

Yes. But we are doing well with Kyle too.

 

[GregInPitt]

Hope you don't mind, but I thought I a position breakdown would help, slanted somewhat to the "state of the union" right now. i.e. with all the DB news.

With a class of 18-19, which seems to be the low end based upon how CJF's roster management has gone the last couple of years....

QB - 1. Clifford/Commited. Position Filed CJF to take 2 QB's in 2018??
RB - 1 or none. None Committed. Swift, another top RB such as McFarland, or a late offer or flip. Or wait until 2018. I believe CJF will bring in a RB in the class.
WR - 2. None Committed. 2 from among Sullivan-Brown, Hippenhammer, Webb, Savoy, Davis, Hamler, Capehart, Njoku. & others. With a class larger than 19 will CJF include 3 WR's??
TE - 1. None Committed. 1 from Leitao, and possibly Reeves. Or an offer yet to come. Need a TE in this class.
OL/Guard - 2. Thorp&Miranda/Committed. Position Filled?
OL/Tackle - 2. Martin (G/OT)/committed. 1 true OT. Who? Warren, Becton,.....Wilson

DB - 4. Brown Committed. 3 additionally and maybe more if class is larger than 19, from Wade, Sutherland, Pitts, Castro-Fields, Johnson, Thomas, Nelson, ...
LB - 3 or 4. Rivers Committed. 2 or 3 additionally from Franklin, Faison-Walden, Proctor, Anthony, Singleton, Ward, ....
DE - 2. Matos and Barber Committed. Is DE filled unless a top DE, a DE/DT, or a larger class than 19? Oladipo, Hudson, Williams (DE/DT)... Or could Barber be projected to DT by the staff?
DT - 1 or 2. None Committed. 1 or 2 additionally from Wade-Perry, Hansard, Martin, Conliffe, Jeter, Bolds....

Questions:
With a class on the low end (18), does CJF take a RB if he does not get a top talent?
JC talent in play at OT again?

 

[LaJolla Lion]

Hope you don't mind, but I thought I a position breakdown would help, slanted somewhat to the "state of the union" right now. i.e. with all the DB news.

With a class of 18-19, which seems to be the low end based upon how CJF's roster management has gone the last couple of years....

QB - 1. Clifford/Commited. Position Filed CJF to take 2 QB's in 2018??
RB - 1 or none. None Committed. Swift, another top RB such as McFarland, or a late offer or flip. Or wait until 2018. I believe CJF will bring in a RB in the class.
WR - 2. None Committed. 2 from among Sullivan-Brown, Hippenhammer, Webb, Savoy, Davis, Hamler, Capehart, Njoku. & others. With a class larger than 19 will CJF include 3 WR's??
TE - 1. None Committed. 1 from Leitao, and possibly Reeves. Or an offer yet to come. Need a TE in this class.
OL/Guard - 2. Thorp&Miranda/Committed. Position Filled?
OL/Tackle - 2. Martin (G/OT)/committed. 1 true OT. Who? Warren, Becton,.....Wilson

DB - 4. Brown Committed. 3 additionally and maybe more if class is larger than 19, from Wade, Sutherland, Pitts, Castro-Fields, Johnson, Thomas, Nelson, ...
LB - 3 or 4. Rivers Committed. 2 or 3 additionally from Franklin, Faison-Walden, Proctor, Anthony, Singleton, Ward, ....
DE - 2. Matos and Barber Committed. Is DE filled unless a top DE, a DE/DT, or a larger class than 19? Oladipo, Hudson, Williams (DE/DT)... Or could Barber be projected to DT by the staff?
DT - 1 or 2. None Committed. 1 or 2 additionally from Wade-Perry, Hansard, Martin, Conliffe, Jeter, Bolds....

Questions:
With a class on the low end (18), does CJF take a RB if he does not get a top talent?
JC talent in play at OT again?

I don't think they rush either OT or RB to be honest. If the season goes well you could see a late flip at either spot and I'm not sure RB is a must have just yet. I don't see them running out and offering a ton of RB's and I'm sure they know they don't lead for Swift by now. Fries, Alex G, and Menet seem like they could all play OT. Hell they experimented with McGovern out there so with Martin on there I think they are being picky. They had Holmes camp for them this week and want to see him play this fall before making a move.

Basically the three biggest needs are DT, LB, and WR. I think LB starts to make a run starting this week. DT and WR have some targets but nobody hopping on board just yet. Long way to go in this cycle and many kids are taking the wait and see approach as coaches are in their ears about Franklin currently. He wins 8-9 games this year and brings back a fairly loaded roster next year....it will go a long way for the future.

 

[bmw199]

Hope you don't mind, but I thought I a position breakdown would help, slanted somewhat to the "state of the union" right now. i.e. with all the DB news.

With a class of 18-19, which seems to be the low end based upon how CJF's roster management has gone the last couple of years....

QB - 1. Clifford/Commited. Position Filed CJF to take 2 QB's in 2018??
RB - 1 or none. None Committed. Swift, another top RB such as McFarland, or a late offer or flip. Or wait until 2018. I believe CJF will bring in a RB in the class.
WR - 2. None Committed. 2 from among Sullivan-Brown, Hippenhammer, Webb, Savoy, Davis, Hamler, Capehart, Njoku. & others. With a class larger than 19 will CJF include 3 WR's??
TE - 1. None Committed. 1 from Leitao, and possibly Reeves. Or an offer yet to come. Need a TE in this class.
OL/Guard - 2. Thorp&Miranda/Committed. Position Filled?
OL/Tackle - 2. Martin (G/OT)/committed. 1 true OT. Who? Warren, Becton,.....Wilson

DB - 4. Brown Committed. 3 additionally and maybe more if class is larger than 19, from Wade, Sutherland, Pitts, Castro-Fields, Johnson, Thomas, Nelson, ...
LB - 3 or 4. Rivers Committed. 2 or 3 additionally from Franklin, Faison-Walden, Proctor, Anthony, Singleton, Ward, ....
DE - 2. Matos and Barber Committed. Is DE filled unless a top DE, a DE/DT, or a larger class than 19? Oladipo, Hudson, Williams (DE/DT)... Or could Barber be projected to DT by the staff?
DT - 1 or 2. None Committed. 1 or 2 additionally from Wade-Perry, Hansard, Martin, Conliffe, Jeter, Bolds....

Questions:
With a class on the low end (18), does CJF take a RB if he does not get a top talent?
JC talent in play at OT again?

I think right now it it's kind of a buyers market, we don't have a lot of momentum to sell. So we're taking guys we like that are interested. We'll be around 14 or so early in the season. With Wade and Pitts probably hanging out there as heavy leans who are still uncommitted and Wade-Perry and other DL as uncommitted guys we're still in the running for. Then with most of the class filled the task becomes changing the momentum and transitioning to a buyers market for 2018 and for flipping guys, who will by then all be committed. If you can flip any of them then you make the roster moves necessary for a larger 2017 class, if not you take a 17-18 person class with 5-6 4*s that will be right around #25-#30 in the country and you sell any on field progress to 2018 class. The guys I'm talking about are Adams, Hinnish, Hainsey, Swift, Webb, Spence, Kaindoh. It is very hard to flip talent like that and would take a special season for it to happen. So, it's not likely.

 

[GregInPitt]

I think right now it it's kind of a buyers market, we don't have a lot of momentum to sell. So we're taking guys we like that are interested. We'll be around 14 or so early in the season. With Wade and Pitts probably hanging out there as heavy leans who are still uncommitted and Wade-Perry and other DL as uncommitted guys we're still in the running for. Then with most of the class filled the task becomes changing the momentum and transitioning to a buyers market for 2018 and for flipping guys, who will by then all be committed. If you can flip any of them then you make the roster moves necessary for a larger 2017 class, if not you take a 17-18 person class with 5-6 4*s that will be right around #25-#30 in the country and you sell any on field progress to 2018 class. The guys I'm talking about are Adams, Hinnish, Hainsey, Swift, Webb, Spence, Kaindoh. It is very hard to flip talent like that and would take a special season for it to happen. So, it's not likely.

Yep, CJF MIGHT flip someone they previously had as a top target if PSU has a big season or a team like MD continues to stumble. Or a kid might just have a change of heart. But I see the late commits to fill the class (other than holdouts like Wade that don't want to commit early) mainly as late bloomers at positions of need. Under the radar kids that have big senior seasons, uncommitted (holding out for better offers) or committed to lesser programs (like the pitt, rutgers..... flips of the past).

I don't see the 2015 season as a major roadblock to recruiting. Sure CJF would like to have filled his class by now with his top choices. But outside of a few programs that doesn't happen often. The recruits see young players like Menet, Simmons, Bates, Barkley, Sanders, Bowen, Reid..... and realize that CJF has a young and talented nucleus.

What do you think of the breakdown position wise? I disagree with some in that I see 7+ DT's on the roster, with none older than Juniors - so I don't think it's critical to bring in 2 or 3 in the 2017 class. If CJF gets 1 good one to complement the roster, great. Basically the same at RB. But CJF really seems to want at least 1 TE in the class.

Magoo used to do great roster breakdowns, but since the Bruins didn't make the playoffs and Brady got caught cheating he seems to have gone into hibernation......

 

[Ian]

Go for 20!

I want a real solid defensive class. Need some big dudes up front and Hansard and Wade-Perry fit the bill. Would also love Conliffe and Kaindoh (flip him) as DE's. Rivers, Franklin, and 2 others would be great. Avery Roberts would be nice and bring his brother in now that it seems Swift is on his way to Georgia! The secondary would be solid with Wade, Sutherland, Pitts, Faison - Walden, and Brown.

The offense would have Clifford, Roberts at RB, 2 WR's, and 3 OL.

Hold off on TE and grab Kuntz in 2018.

 

[Lion8286]

Go for 20!

I want a real solid defensive class. Need some big dudes up front and Hansard and Wade-Perry fit the bill. Would also love Conliffe and Kaindoh (flip him) as DE's. Rivers, Franklin, and 2 others would be great. Avery Roberts would be nice and bring his brother in now that it seems Swift is on his way to Georgia! The secondary would be solid with Wade, Sutherland, Pitts, Faison - Walden, and Brown.

The offense would have Clifford, Roberts at RB, 2 WR's, and 3 OL.

Hold off on TE and grab Kuntz in 2018.

You know that Roberts brother is class of 2018, right?

 

[Ian]

Scratch them. And the DEs, too, as they already have Matos and Barber

 

[bmw199]

What do you think of the breakdown position wise?

So, I've said before that i hate doing it that way bc it matters more on who the players are then how many kids you can take. Like we have a lot of talented to very talented kids who are all back 7 defensive prospects (more like back 6: CB, S, OLB) but we could use some ILB and DTs, but you don't turn away the talent that some of these kids have even if they're deep positions.

That said, I think we pass on a TE this year unless we get Leitao, who I think will be a long shot. We have a good chance at Kuntz and lead with Pitts. We would take both in 2018 regardless, so I would just wait. I would wait on another QB until next year. I think we have a lot of talent on the roster and both Zembiec and Clifford are recruits that got/are getting better as their high school careers round out. I would actually put finding a top QB as a priority for 2019 at this point. I know Franklin wants at least one in every class so I expect a dual threat type guy in 2018. I think another tackle at the moment will be hard to find and the last LB spot will go straight through December. I agree that we don't need 3 or 4 DT. I would go for a quality one in Wade-Perry first. Pretty sure they have backed off Conliffe. They are going to consider Holmes for DT or OT. I think we offer as much help to Hansard as possible. I wouldn't mind helping him get into an academy if he doesn't qualify, I know we've done that in the past. Martin would be a great add also.

I think if the season opens strong and we pull off a big win or 2 early we will be on Adams, Hainsey, and Hinnish the hardest. Flipping is always a crap shoot, but wins could draw their interest. On Sept 10th Nevada is at ND; I would really hope Pitt gets them to visit Heinz instead so they have an opportunity to see Saquon and the new offense up close and personal. I expect Wade to accept that invite as well.

 

[Eurotrash1]

I'd like to see us offer Mullins. He says if we offer? We would be his leader. It is becoming apparent Hansard may have eligibility issues. We can't afford to not have a DT commit in this class.

 

[artsandletters]

I'd like to see us offer Mullins. He says if we offer? We would be his leader. It is becoming apparent Hansard may have eligibility issues. We can't afford to not have a DT commit in this class.

Mullins?

 

[TheGLOV]

I think Kenny Jackson is all ours!

 

[Lion8286]

Mullins?

Assume he means Derrius Mullins from Columbus, OH.

 

[GregInPitt]

So, I've said before that i hate doing it that way bc it matters more on who the players are then how many kids you can take. Like we have a lot of talented to very talented kids who are all back 7 defensive prospects (more like back 6: CB, S, OLB) but we could use some ILB and DTs, but you don't turn away the talent that some of these kids have even if they're deep positions.

That said, I think we pass on a TE this year unless we get Leitao, who I think will be a long shot. We have a good chance at Kuntz and lead with Pitts. We would take both in 2018 regardless, so I would just wait. I would wait on another QB until next year. I think we have a lot of talent on the roster and both Zembiec and Clifford are recruits that got/are getting better as their high school careers round out. I would actually put finding a top QB as a priority for 2019 at this point. I know Franklin wants at least one in every class so I expect a dual threat type guy in 2018. I think another tackle at the moment will be hard to find and the last LB spot will go straight through December. I agree that we don't need 3 or 4 DT. I would go for a quality one in Wade-Perry first. Pretty sure they have backed off Conliffe. They are going to consider Holmes for DT or OT. I think we offer as much help to Hansard as possible. I wouldn't mind helping him get into an academy if he doesn't qualify, I know we've done that in the past. Martin would be a great add also.

I think if the season opens strong and we pull off a big win or 2 early we will be on Adams, Hainsey, and Hinnish the hardest. Flipping is always a crap shoot, but wins could draw their interest. On Sept 10th Nevada is at ND; I would really hope Pitt gets them to visit Heinz instead so they have an opportunity to see Saquon and the new offense up close and personal. I expect Wade to accept that invite as well.

From what I have seen so far of CJF I believe he does make a priority in addressing position needs more so than you seem to believe. That's why he focused on and flipped Bowers and Givens - they played positions of need. And last year, the last few commits were late offers to a CB and WR. Again, positions of need within the class. Sure if CJF wants 3 DB's and there are 4 talented DB's that want in he would take them. And there may be a DB/WR kid or two that would be recruited as an athlete, but when it's all said and done (and signed) I believe we will see a somewhat normal distribution as I outlined above. With at least 1 true WR and more than likely 2 or 3. I believe it was pretty much a coincidence that the Lash Bash success centered on back 6/7 defensive players. Those are the kids that had interest, were available to come, and decided to come. But true LB and DT's will be priorities down the stretch. 1 or 2 DT's as you described. Another highly talented DE may show up late in the class as well, with one of the DE's starting out at TE at PSU - most of them have played TE in H.S. as well....Just like what happened with Holland.

Don't believe anyone predicts another QB in the 2017 class.

As for TE, I still believe there will be a TE in the 2017 class, Leitao or another TE prospect that will appear on the radar (late bloomer or flip from a lesser program just as with Bowers) during the Fall, but agree that CJF is likely to take 2 TE's in 2018, especially if he can close on the PA kids.

Same with OT. CJF has a chance on a couple of kids that have lots of offers and have yet to decide. But if he strikes out he will try and identify a late bloomer or flip later in the Fall. He could skip the OT more easily than TE as there are some OL kids that can play insider or outside already in the program (Menet,....), but I still believe CJF and his staff will find one.

I really do not expect CJF to be able to flip any of the ND commits. Those Catholic kids are very likely to stay the course.

 

[Eurotrash1]

From what I have seen so far of CJF I believe he does make a priority in addressing position needs more so than you seem to believe. That's why he focused on and flipped Bowers and Givens - they played positions of need. And last year, the last few commits were late offers to a CB and WR. Again, positions of need within the class. Sure if CJF wants 3 DB's and there are 4 talented DB's that want in he would take them. And there may be a DB/WR kid or two that would be recruited as an athlete, but when it's all said and done (and signed) I believe we will see a somewhat normal distribution as I outlined above. With at least 1 true WR and more than likely 2 or 3. I believe it was pretty much a coincidence that the Lash Bash success centered on back 6/7 defensive players. Those are the kids that had interest, were available to come, and decided to come. But true LB and DT's will be priorities down the stretch. 1 or 2 DT's as you described. Another highly talented DE may show up late in the class as well, with one of the DE's starting out at TE at PSU - most of them have played TE in H.S. as well....Just like what happened with Holland.

Don't believe anyone predicts another QB in the 2017 class.

As for TE, I still believe there will be a TE in the 2017 class, Leitao or another TE prospect that will appear on the radar (late bloomer or flip from a lesser program just as with Bowers) during the Fall, but agree that CJF is likely to take 2 TE's in 2018, especially if he can close on the PA kids.

Same with OT. CJF has a chance on a couple of kids that have lots of offers and have yet to decide. But if he strikes out he will try and identify a late bloomer or flip later in the Fall. He could skip the OT more easily than TE as there are some OL kids that can play insider or outside already in the program (Menet,....), but I still believe CJF and his staff will find one.

I really do not expect CJF to be able to flip any of the ND commits. Those Catholic kids are very likely to stay the course.

Not just the Catholic aspect! I expect Notre Dame will be a pretty good team this year. I dislike Kelly as much as anyone. I have to admit, he seems to be getting Notre Dame heading in the right direction. His recruiting this year has been phenomenal.

 

[Ranger Dan]

Update: I decided to do a new thread because there is a lot of news out of this weekend.

I see that you finally have Rashan Gary off of your board... LOL Just kidding! Thanks for your great effort.

 

[broey1]

I like Wade-Perry and hope he jumps, because I'm beginning to think we are only taking one DT and it'll be a 1 tech. That said, I'd offer Mullins in a second.

The only other offer I'd like to see now for 2017 is Thayer Munford OT out of Ohio. We may be done at OL Warren trending UNC, but I still think Munford is worthy.

 

[bmw199]

I see that you finally have Rashan Gary off of your board... LOL Just kidding! Thanks for your great effort.

There are just as unlikely candidates down on the bottom as he was last year. But yes, he is now gone...

 

[bmw199]

I like Wade-Perry and hope he jumps, because I'm beginning to think we are only taking one DT and it'll be a 1 tech. That said, I'd offer Mullins in a second.

The only other offer I'd like to see now for 2017 is Thayer Munford OT out of Ohio. We may be done at OL Warren trending UNC, but I still think Munford is worthy.

Dalyn is criminally underrated. Stanford is still the leader.

Ohio is deep this year, makes you shake your head at OSU's class even more.

 

[83wuzme]

Not just the Catholic aspect! I expect Notre Dame will be a pretty good team this year. I dislike Kelly as much as anyone. I have to admit, he seems to be getting Notre Dame heading in the right direction. His recruiting this year has been phenomenal.

There are many other schools to choose over ND if you really want a Catholic education.
As far as Kelly, I don't understand the guy's appeal. He comes off like one of the biggest jerks in CFB.ND really hasn't been relevant in terms of a national championship for a long time. They have shown themselves to be outclassed on the field all too many times under Kelly and at least three coaches before him.
I don't really understand the appeal of ND to recruits. Maybe it's just the residue of a bygone era that somehow managed to survive.

 

[dawgduice]

There are just as unlikely candidates down on the bottom as he was last year. But yes, he is now gone...

And he took his "caddy" with him, Dumfour

 

[dawgduice]

Dalyn is criminally underrated. Stanford is still the leader.

Ohio is deep this year, makes you shake your head at OSU's class even more.

OSU "vocationally" trains guys for the NFL. Education for anything else is optional but NOT required. Hence why it appeals to so many kids that are not really interested in college, but the NFL. I do not blame these kids they have no other option if your chosen "vocation" is the NFL.

 

[psuro]

Mullins?

Buehler? Buehler? Buehler?

 

[Eurotrash1]

There are many other schools to choose over ND if you really want a Catholic education.
As far as Kelly, I don't understand the guy's appeal. He comes off like one of the biggest jerks in CFB.ND really hasn't been relevant in terms of a national championship for a long time. They have shown themselves to be outclassed on the field all too many times under Kelly and at least three coaches before him.
I don't really understand the appeal of ND to recruits. Maybe it's just the residue of a bygone era that somehow managed to survive.

Well, as much as we all like to think coaches are only recruiting kids? They are not, they recruit the kids biggest influence, the parents. These parents still remember when Notre Dame was relevant.

 

[Lion8286]

Well, as much as we all like to think coaches are only recruiting kids? They are not, they recruit the kids biggest influence, the parents. These parents still remember when Notre Dame was relevant.

Penn State was just as relevant, if not more, as ND when recruits parents were growing up.

 

[Eurotrash1]

Penn State was just as relevant, if not more, as ND when recruits parents were growing up.

Not really, Penn State's best years were in the mid to late 80's. Holtz's teams were late 80's through the mid 90's. These parents would have grown up in this era.

 

[Lion8286]

Not really, Penn State's best years were in the mid to late 80's. Holtz's teams were late 80's through the mid 90's. These parents would have grown up in this era.

Yes really. Parents of recruits today were likely born around 1970. That means from the time they were around 8 until around 24 they saw Penn State play for a potential NC in 1978, 1982, 1985, 1986, and 1994.

 

[T J]

Assume he means Derrius Mullins from Columbus, OH.

From recent review...


FOOTBALL
—
20d ago
Mullins Recaps PSU Visit
Ryan Snyder | Recruiting Analyst

Mullins was awarded D-Line MVP at the Rivals/Under Armour Camp in Columbus this spring.

 

[GregInPitt]

I like Wade-Perry and hope he jumps, because I'm beginning to think we are only taking one DT and it'll be a 1 tech. That said, I'd offer Mullins in a second.

The only other offer I'd like to see now for 2017 is Thayer Munford OT out of Ohio. We may be done at OL Warren trending UNC, but I still think Munford is worthy.

I'm also beginning to believe there will only be one DT in this class. Especially with whatever happened to cool the mutual love with Hansard. But with all the young athletic DT's that are now competing for the 3 technique playing time the focus does have to be on 1, or maybe 2, big 1 technique DT's.

I still believe CJF will get an OT in the class. Munford has some great offers - recent Bama offer as well as Tennessee... so if PSU goes after him it better be soon. Maybe he's waiting on a oh-high-ya state offer.......but they have to tier 3 OL commits, 2 of which are OT's.

This just seems to be the year of the DB and LB, and obviously OL, but the current state of the class and player focus has the potential to really cover all the needs and positions.

 

[21Guns]

12 verbals, guessing 8 spots left...

 

[zwick99]

12 verbals, guessing 8 spots left...

How many players have to leave early for PSU to get to 20? I think we only have about 6 players from the 2012 class and Bell is the only player from 2013 who is in his last year of eligibility.

 

[Ian]

I believe 4.