Penn State Recruiting 2012: 7 Things the Nittany Lions Are Hoping for on NSD

Penn State is not having their ideal recruiting season thus far.

Their 19 verbal commitments are not up to par for a historically powerful program.

However, the circumstances surrounding Penn State's season make it hard to blame the Nittany Lions for their current recruiting struggles.

It's a good thing there is still time to make up ground.

With National Signing Day quickly approaching, the Nittany Lions will have one shot to ink their current commitments and hopefully bring a few fresh faces into the fold.

Penn State needs to look toward the 2013 recruiting class, more than most schools do, at this point.

But, that does not mean their business is finished in 2012.

National Signing Day is one last chance to show that Penn State is down but not out.

Here are seven things the Nittany Lions are hoping for on National Signing Day, this year.

A Surprise Flip

Penn State currently has 19 commitments.

Adding to that number at another team's expense would be a bonus.

The Nittany Lions are still being considered wide receiver Carnell Boyd and defensive lineman Kenderius Whitehead.

Boyd is a current commitment to the Akron Zips. He recently canceled his visit to the Nittany Lion campus, but he is still a possible surprise pickup if he has second thoughts.

Whitehead is a high-school teammate of Boyd, and is currently committed to join the Wolfpack of N.C.State. If Boyd were to flip, Whitehead could join him.

Both are outside shots to say the least, but Penn State needs to be hopeful given the current state of their recruiting haul.

Get at Least 19 Signatures

Penn State's current 2012 recruiting class is small in size, and low on talent.

At the very least, Penn State needs to make sure their recruiting class does not get any smaller.

Verbal commitments are great to have in your back pocket, but signatures are what matters. The Nittany Lions must hold onto all current verbal promises and make sure they translate into signed letters of Intent.

The new coaching staff at Penn State has not had a chance to make a major mark on this season's recruiting prospects. However, they can make their mark by making sure the recruits stay true to their word.

Nevertheless, 19 commitments is a small number for a prestigious college football program.

Anything less would be a travesty.

Michigan Miscues

Every team hopes their rivals slip up on the field, but on February 1, the Nittany Lions are hoping their rivals make mistakes off the field.

In this particular case, the Nittany Lions hope Brady Hoke and the Michigan Wolverines mismanage their recruiting priorities on National Signing Day.

The Wolverines lost out on blue-chip offensive line recruit Josh Garnett when he chose to take his services to Stanford instead.

Michigan is still in the running for offensive linemen Jordan Diamond and Alex Kozan. This would soften the Garnett loss, but neither are a sure thing until they sign on the dotted line.

Ex-Penn State commitment Armani Reeves is also on Michigan's radar. The defensive back has his decision down to Ohio State and Michigan.

The Nittany Lions are vying for Big Ten supremacy under new head coach Bill O'Brien. Michigan's recruiting haul will play a big part in how high Penn State climbs up the Big Ten ladder.

The Wolverines current class is already loaded; a few miscues on National Signing Day would not hurt the Nittany Lions one bit.

Demetrious Cox

Demetrious Cox is the only 4-star prospect still considering Penn State.

The Jeanette, Penn. product is the No. 8 rated safety in the nation, according to scout.com.

He is a solid tackler and is very good in coverage, despite his lack of top-end speed.

Cox's commitment would be a major boost to the Penn State recruiting class. His 4-star status would add clout to Penn State's incoming freshman class, and he would fill a void in the Nittany Lion's secondary.

Penn State lost Armani Reeves' commitment earlier in the offseason. He would have fought for playing time from day one, and Cox would as well if he chooses the Nittany Lions.

New head coach Bill O'Brien will make his mark in Happy Valley early on if he can nail down one of the top recruits in Pennsylvania.

Start Looking Forward

The Nittany Lions must get a jump start on their 2013 recruiting class.

If National Signing Day winds up being lackluster, Penn State must turn their focus to the future.

Bill O'Brien has shown heavy interest in 2013 quarterback Ryan Burns, an Elite 11 selection who is gaining major steam on the recruiting trail. He could be the trigger man in O'Brien's wide-open passing attack.

O'Brien has made an offer to 2013 Under Armour All-American Adam Breneman, who hails from Pennsylvania and is one of the top tight ends in high school football.

Reon Dawson is another Nittany Lion target in 2013. He is a big corner and has received offers from Kentucky and Virginia. He is also expecting an offer from Ohio State.

O'Brien has already gotten a jump on next season's recruiting class. It will be his first chance to make a major mark on his new coaching post.

Returning the Nittany Lions to recruiting dominance would give O'Brien a big leg-up in the eyes of Penn State's fanbase.

Do Not Take a Step Backwards

Penn State has suffered through several broken verbal commitments following Jerry Sandusky's sex abuse scandal.

The scandal rocked the current Penn State program, and left matters too unsettled for many recruits' liking.

Tommy Schutt, Camren Williams and Noah Spence all decided Ohio State seemed like a safer option. Armani Reeves may wind up deciding the same thing.

J.J. Denmon wound up liking Wisconsin and Jarron Jones chose Notre Dame over the Nittany Lions.

Obviously, Penn State has been ravaged by the repercussions of the scandal. The Nittany Lions must do their best to take a step forward—or at least stay where they are—on National Signing Day.

Anything would be better than moving backwards.

Restore Nittany Lion Pride

Bill O'Brien and the rest of Penn State's new coaching staff must restore Penn State's pride.

That means landing fresh talent, or at least making sure the Nittany Lions are relevant in losing battles.

The Nittany Lions are fighting an uphill battle against Ohio State and Michigan on the recruiting trail this season.

The Wolverines have a successful season under their belts with Brady Hoke and seem to be gaining momentum.

Ohio State made the right choice by bringing Urban Meyer to Columbus. His hard work and appeal is right there with any head coach on the recruiting circuit.

Landing a big surprise on National Signing Day, or actively recruiting 2013 prospects, would make a statement for Penn State. They must show they are proud and are still a national powerhouse.

If they do not do it soon, they could get swallowed up in the Big Ten race.