Bill O'Brien to Penn State: Is It Too Late to Save the 2012 Recruiting Class?

Happy Valley wasn't so happy this season, but that hasn't completely shattered the Nittany Lions' recruiting class, for the most part. 

Now comes word from Chris Mortensen of ESPN that Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will be the next head coach at Pennsylvania State University.

Is it too late for O'Brien to save this class? Is three weeks enough? We'll see.

Recruiting Capsule

Right now, O'Brien has 14 commitments to work with.

August was a big month for the Nittany Lions' 2012 recruiting efforts. They really surged up, and JoePa got hip and took advantage of Skype. 

The class does possess some top-tier players like WR Eugene Lewis and DB Armani Reeves—who all committed in August. However, they have lost DT Tommy Schutt to Ohio State; OT J.J. Denman, a big OL, to Wisconsin; and Joey O'Connor, a 4-star OG prospect. 

A player I really like in this class is Camren Williams, a speedy, athletic and rangy 6'2", 200-pound OLB. 

Headliner: Eugene Lewis, WR

Lewis is a 6'2", 180-pounder who will see his mark mostly made in the intermediate passing game. He has the tools to develop into a very good No. 2 receiver, the mold of, say, a Reggie Wayne-type.

He works his routes well, sets up defenders and can break out quickly from cuts at the junction point. He won't wow you deep, but he can get by if he has to.

Lewis has been a leader for this class during the controversial times, as only days after much of the big news broke, Lewis attended the home game vs. Nebraska. He's a Nittany Lion through and through.

Larry Johnson Sr. Is the Key

The main factor for O'Brien is what he's going to do with DL coach Larry Johnson. That's clearly the key. Johnson is revered around Happy Valley and around the country by prospects as he's one of the best recruiters in America.

Even Noah Spence mentioned at various times, that it was Johnson that was his allure to Happy Valley. Now, O'Brien must fill out his staff, and saving this class rests largely on what he decides to do about Johnson's job.

Drama already in Happy Valley!

Is It Too Late to Save This Class?

I can see most of the class staying intact, but don't expect a slew of 5-star prospects to now want to come to Penn State. O'Brien's likely already working the phones on his committed players, introducing himself and such.

But Penn State is not likely going to end up in the top 25, and a huge impact likely won't be made. You also have to note that O'Brien comes from the NFL and has very, very limited experience in recruiting.

This class won't be the best Happy Valley has welcomed.