Penn State Recruiting 2012: Who Could Start, and Who Will Get Lost in the Mix?

The Penn State Nittany Lions had the unimpressive 2012 recruiting class that everyone expected following the turmoil in Happy Valley this season.

The Nittany Lions managed to sign 19 players, with just one 4-star prospect among them.

Penn State's new arrivals are projects for the most part, outside of Eugene Lewis. Projects are better than nothing, and new head coach Bill O'Brien will have a chance to play an instrumental role in their development.

Most of these players will need a few years to get their feet wet at the college level before they are ready to contribute consistently for the Nittany Lions.

Here is a breakdown of who is ready and who will fall deep into the Penn State depth chart:

Brian Gaia, OL

Brian Gaia has the ability to play on the interior of Penn State's offensive line or defensive line.

It will take a year or two for Penn State to decide which spot makes better use of his big body.

The main knock on Gaia is his speed and quickness. He uses his frame to eat double-teams in the middle, but he cannot chase down ball carriers in the open field.

He gets solid penetration and can disrupt the run game, but he is not a threat to rush the passer.

That is why he may be more suited for the offensive line. He can use his strength to maul defenders without needing his speed unless he is pulling out in front of a play.

Either way, Gaia is not going to play for another year or two.

Austin Johnson, DT

Austin Johnson is another player needing time to develop.

He arrives at Penn State after playing defensive tackle in high school, but he could make the switch to offensive line in college.

Johnson has a big frame, and his athleticism would serve him well on the offensive line. Either way, he is a project for the Nittany Lions.

Bill O'Brien has many players of Johnson's caliber. Not necessarily dead weight, but players who need some seasoning before they are ready to compete.

Break out the redshirts.

Jesse James, TE

Jesse James can take advantage of a weak crop of tight ends currently residing in Happy Valley.

He is a massive target, at 6'7'', and has a solid grasp of running routes. Because of his size, James could develop into a great blocker at the next level.

James is not a great athlete, but he has a grasp of the position. His size alone makes him a pass-friendly target against zone coverage.

Penn State would love to see a tight end, or two, emerge as pass targets.

James could be the answer. Maybe not this year, but before his career is over.

Steven Bench, QB

Steven Bench is worth mentioning because of his position alone. Quarterbacks are a hot-button issue in Happy Valley each and every season.

Bench was originally a verbal commitment to Rice University, but decided to bring his talents up north instead.

He is a dual-threat quarterback with more experience running the option than anything else. This probably does not excite Penn State fans, and it probably shouldn't.

Bench is a long shot at best to ever contribute behind center, but you have to be impressed with Bill O'Brien flipping the commitment of this Georgia native.

Penn State will have to wait another year at least for their quarterback of the future to arrive.

Trevor Williams, WR

There is some debate as to where Trevor Williams will line up at Penn State. Who knows; he could play both ways throughout his career.

Williams has a lanky 6'2'' frame and could be an intriguing prospect in Penn State's spread attack. His 4.4 40 time also leaves room for excitement.

However, Williams was recruited as an athlete and could see time in Penn State's secondary. The Nittany Lions secondary is facing a lot of turnover, and Williams could earn a few looks in the defensive backfield.

Williams is not a prestigious recruit and will probably not make an early impact, but he could see more time as his career progresses.

Brent Wilkerson, TE

Brent Wilkerson can compete for snaps next season if he has a solid showing in spring practice.

This is not necessarily based on talent, but because he plays a position the Nittany Lions sorely need help at.

Tight end is not Penn State's strong suit, but Bill O'Brien loves to use his tight ends. Especially if one is named Rob Gronkowski.

Wilkerson is not near that caliber, but he is athletic and could develop into a solid two-way tight end. He could receive playing time next season almost by default.

He needs time to mature, but Wilkerson is a name to know down the road.

Nyeem Wartman, LB

Penn State would not be Penn State if they did not grab a linebacker worth noting.

Nyeem Wartman has plenty of work to do and will not see the field early in his career. However, he does have the athleticism to contribute later in his career in some capacity.

Wartman's future will rely on how he adjusts to playing on the outside. According to scout.com, he played largely on the inside, hindering his ability to work in space.

Penn State is plenty deep at linebacker next season. Wartman will have a chance to sit, and learn, behind a very talented crop of players.

Akeel Lynch, RB

Akeel Lynch is a name to keep an eye in this recruiting class.

He is one of the top high school players in the state of New York and could see time in a thin Nittany Lion backfield next season.

Lynch is a big body and runs strong between the tackles. He does not have an elite burst, but he is strong enough to make up for it.

Prestige is not something Lynch carries into Penn State, but this kid can play. Do not be surprised if you hear his name earlier than expected next season.

He has the talent to push Curtis Dukes for primary backup duty in the Penn State backfield.

Jamil Pollard, DT

Jamil Pollard was the first recruit to commit to Penn State following Joe Paterno's firing late in the 2011 season.

The New Jersey native has the body to contribute later in his career, but he must polish up his skill set before he is ready to play at the next level.

Pollard is a big body in the middle, but he is not explosive at the point of attack. He must fire off the ball faster if he wants to earn early minutes in Happy Valley.

Penn State will welcome any talent to their campus considering the underwhelming nature of this class. However, Pollard will not contribute next season on a consistent basis.

Eugene Lewis, WR

Wyoming Valley West product Eugene Lewis is Penn State's marquee recruit. He will compete for playing time from the second he arrives on campus.

Lewis has a big frame and the ability to use it. He does not possess blinding speed, but he knows how to run in the open field.

If opponents do not respect Lewis' ability to burn them, once the ball is in his hands, he will have an even bigger arrival than expected.

Bill O'Brien's complex spread offense will need several capable weapons to make things run smoothly. Expect Lewis to be a key cog by season's end.