Penn State Football Recruiting: Why Nittany Lions Must Lock Up Robert Foster

Penn State coaches visited a Central Valley High School practice on Thursday for one reason: to see Robert Foster make plays. 

Foster is considered the nation's No. 3 overall recruit by scout.com, No. 26 overall by rivals.com and is 23rd on ESPN's 150.

He is an absurd playmaker with superstar written all over him. Penn State is considered a finalist for his services, along with Alabama and Pittsburgh, according to pennlive.com.

The Nittany Lions would love to bring Foster to Happy Valley. 

This is why they must make it happen.

In-State Talent

Bill O' Brien has been adamant about locking up Pennsylvania's top talent. Robert Foster is the best the Keystone State has to offer this year. 

The Nittany Lions need to flex their recruiting muscle within their own state's borders before they enter prominence outside of Pennsylvania.

Locking up Foster would give O'Brien a blue-chip talent and keep other schools from poaching Pennsylvania's best.

Elite Playmaking Ability

Foster may wind up playing all over the field in college. His skills are reminiscent of former Nittany Lion Derrick Williams.

Foster is a burner in the open field. He is shifty, elusive and capable of blowing the top off any defensive alignment.

The Nittany Lions would be happy with Foster's ranginess and versatility.

He is an elite weapon with big-time home-run threat written all over him.

Immediate Contributor

Foster's talent would allow him to start immediately for Penn State like Derrick Williams did as a freshman.

The Nittany Lions would use Foster in the slot, creating immediate matchup issues for Big Ten defenses.

Putting Foster with 2012 recruit Eugene Lewis would give Penn State an exciting duo for the next few seasons. The two targets have complementary styles and would each bring a different element to the Penn State attack.

Lewis would be a possession receiver underneath with Foster running vertically. 

Foster's presence would add an exciting element to the Nittany Lion attack from day one.

Make a Statement

Penn State has a notable 2013 recruiting class already. Adding Foster would make a major statement to the rest of the college football world. 

The Nittany Lions have not landed true blue-chip talent since Derrick Williams and Justin King in 2004. Foster would have the same impact in terms of momentum and hype. 

Winning championships in college football comes down to recruiting. If you don't recruit, you will not win.

It is that simple.

Marquee recruits do not come to schools out of nowhere. Penn State must get one before others decide to follow.

Christian Hackenberg and Adam Breneman are already on board. Adding Foster would be the cherry on top.

Fits New Offense

Foster would fit Bill O'Brien's offense perfectly. His versatility, speed and home run ability make him an ideal fit for Penn State's spread attack. 

O'Brien's attack relies on players with good field awareness. They must be able to pick out soft spots in coverage and make their own space down the field.

Foster's a speed merchant. He would open up underneath routes for Penn State's possession receivers and increase productivity of every other skill player. 

O'Brien's offense showcases versatile players because of the spread attack. Foster could line up on the flank, in the slot or in the backfield.

No matter where he lines up, one thing is guaranteed.

Foster will be a big-time player.