Penn State Recruiting: 5 Players the Nittany Lions Are Pursuing in 2013

The 2012 edition of National Signing Day has come and gone. Penn State's 2012 recruiting class has been introduced, and the table has been set for next season's depth chart.

That means it is not too early to look ahead to next season's batch of recruits. Heck, for some it is never too early.

New head coach Bill O'Brien and new recruiting coordinator Charles London will face heavy expectations. The Nittany Lions did not enjoy a reputable class in 2012, and fans will be hungry for a turnaround.

O'Brien wants to focus on Pennsylvania's top talent, and he also has ties to southern states. In the end it does not matter, the talent just has to come from somewhere.

Penn State's recruiting board will grow, and its offer sheet along with it as the evaluation of new prospects continues.

Here is an early look at a few players Penn State is already interested in:

Ryan Burns, QB

Quarterback will be a continuous need until Penn State addresses it in a big way. It became even more important with the recent change to Bill O'Brien's complex passing attack.

Paul Jones may get his head on straight this season and realize the potential most fans see in his arm and pocket presence, or he may not.

If he does not, Penn State's quarterback situation will hold the Nittany Lions back from supremacy, regardless of the talent everywhere else.

The kid pictured to your left is Ryan Burns. He was an Elite 11 quarterback this past season. Penn State has already offered the Virginia native a chance to play for their program in 2013.

Penn State will surely offer others the chance to play behind center in Happy Valley. Burns has a good arm, pocket presence and a great head on his shoulders.

Burns participated in the National Underclassmen Combine in 2011, and walked away with the Most Valuable Player award and the Leadership award.

He holds offers from several other schools, and he is sure to draw more as the 2013 recruiting process rolls along.

If he is not the answer, Penn State will need to find someone else to fill the gaping void in their depth chart, or watch Ohio State and Michigan rule the Big Ten indefinitely.

Adam Breneman, TE

Penn State's tight ends have been nonexistent in the passing game over the past few seasons.

If the Nittany Lions can snag 2013 tight end Adam Breneman, that will change in a hurry. He is a blue-chip prospect, and one of the best tight ends in high school football.

Breneman had 72 catches for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns this past season. His 6'5'' frame is ready for the college level right now, and should only mature throughout his senior season.

Bill O'Brien has experience coaching excellent tight ends with the New England Patriots. He understands how—and when—to use them.

Breneman is a major matchup problem, and Penn State is smart to get an offer out early. He has offers from several major programs, including Michigan and Ohio State.

Whoever winds up running the offense in Happy Valley would love a weapon of Breneman's caliber. Either as a safety valve, or to stretch the seams over the middle.

Patrick Kugler, OT

The Nittany Lion offensive line will be inexperienced next season. Penn State's coaching staff is already seeking reinforcements on the 2013 recruiting trail.

Patrick Kugler has a Penn State offer, and the body needed to play offensive tackle at the college level. He also has knowledge of the game thanks to his father, and current Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line coach, Sean Kugler.

Bill O'Brien wants to focus on locking down Pennsylvania's top talent. There are more dynamic skill players available, but Kugler has big upside and fills a major need.

He holds offers from several major schools including Miami, Virginia Tech and Michigan. The Nittany Lions will have to be aggressive if they wish to land this hog.

Robert Foster, WR

Robert Foster is among the most exciting players in Pennsylvania, and is considered the top receiving prospect in the Keystone state by most.

He racked up over 900 total yards last season and 10 touchdowns. His 20.8 yards per catch show his big-play ability.

Foster's lanky 6'3'' frame will allow him to play on the outside at the next level, and many major programs covet his perimeter talents. Penn State is included among that select group.

Every major program could potentially be in on a talent like Foster. He has game-changing ability, and can affect multiple facets of the game.

He would be a perfect weapon for Bill O'Brien's offense, and could excel from day one if given the chance.

Greg Webb, DT

Greg Webb may be the top prospect in New Jersey because of his menacing ability in the middle.

He had 94 tackles, nine sacks and three fumble recoveries this past season. He is a constant force with a knack for disrupting plays in the backfield.

Webb weighs in just under 300 pounds. He will, more than likely, add some bulk over the next year and will be ready to play right away for the right college program.

Penn State will need to replace defensive tackle Jordan Hill following his graduation. If the Nittany Lions can make good on their offer to Webb, he could be an immediate answer in the middle.

Webb currently holds around 20 offers, and will be heavily pursed by programs across the nation.