Respect The Prospect: Penn State Football Recruiting Update

The recruiting process is a strenuous one. Athletes of all spectrums with diverse backgrounds and skills compete in an endeavor to make it to the top colleges in the country.  The name ‘Penn State’ speaks volumes up and down the east coast, making it one of the top recruiting universities.  This weekend, two top prospects took the trip to the Valley of Happiness as the Nittany Lions took on the Temple Owls.

Saturday marked the 2nd themed game day-Favorite Jersey Day. Heading out onto the field the 2010 recruiting class was welcomed by student fans shouting, “Come to Penn State!”The feeling of being praised by students, alumni, and fans before having the classic blue and white jersey on is not an emotion I’m too familiar with. 

Looking from the outside in, you could tell the prospects were tingling with excitement. Penn State always makes it’s 40,000 + campus feel like a home away from home, even in Beaver Stadium can you sense the hospitality trickling down from the nosebleeds.

Field passes around their necks, high school players from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia and Pennsylvania out of classes 2011 & 2010 stepped foot onto on of the nation’s premier football venues.  

Five-star prospect, and current Penn State commit, Paul Jones attended.  Jones is a highly sought after QB from Pennsylvania who is ranked 2nd in his position on Scout.com.

Another top prospect in attendance was tight end, Kyle Baublitz.  This 6-4, 254 lb, four-star player would make a great addition to the already well-built PSU defense. Baublitz was recruited by Defensive Line coach Larry Johnson who is known for his ability to recruit great athletes (such as Aaron Maybin and Navarro Bowman). 

Running back, Silas Redd was expected to be at the Temple game but couldn’t make it due to family issues. Redd is a solid verbal PSU commit ranked as the 15th best running back in the nation. Adding to the running game lineup of Evan Royster, Stephfon Green, Brent Carter, Brandon Beachum and freshman Curtis Dukes.

Before the game began, prospects on look the current players as they warm up, interacting with coaches and getting the opportunity to meet the university’s President Graham Spanier.

As the band began to make their way onto the field the players had to make their way to their 50-yard like seating. I listened as they added their thoughts on what they would do if they were on the field. Only time will tell when of if we see these prospects put to the test.

Temple took the loss 31-6. Next week will bring a wide range of recruits as Penn State takes on Iowa to kick off the conference games and hopefully, a little revenge.