Penn State Recruiting: Christian Hackenberg Faces Uncharted Waters

Christian Hackenberg is faced with an unprecedented fork in the road.

Thrust into a lose-lose situation, Hackenberg is forced to make what will most likely be the biggest decision of his life. The decision to stay at Penn State or leave, in itself, is simple, but the ramifications for both are long-lasting.

Hackenberg is basically making the choice of bondage or unfaithfulness. Already committing to the university, Hackenberg faces an internal conflict of going back on his word, which is something that his high school coach Micky Sullivan told ESPN will be tough to do.

"He’s been brought up to understand that his word matters," Sullivan said. "When he says something, he means it."

Not only does his decision affect fellow commits, but it affects the entire university. Faced with a four-year postseason ban, the light at the end of the tunnel is far out of sight for Penn State enthusiasts.

But the No. 1-ranked quarterback and 16th overall prospect in the ESPN 150 could serve as a speck of hope. Furthermore, Hackenberg could serve as a bright spot who can still win football games and give this hurting community something to cheer for.

However, that's an awful lot to ask for, especially from a kid who's still in high school. The worst part is that there's no past recruit to look back on for guidance.

Can't you feel the pressure mounting? This is certainly one heck of a way to get baptized into the glory that is college football.

So does Hackenberg bring light to a damaged community, or does he leave it in darkness?

Should he choose to stay and play for Bill O'Brien at Penn State, he will never win a championship with these NCAA sanctions, but he could become a legend on the campus.

And should he play football for another university, his chances of being a national champion increase by 100 percent, but will he be able to withstand withdrawing his verbal? Will he be able to move on easily knowing that he'll forever be linked to this horrific tragedy as Penn State's top recruit?

And should Hackenberg sign with another school, a ripple effect will most likely occur with Penn State recruits. Penn State's other highly touted prospect and 27th overall prospect in the ESPN 150, Dorian Johnson, has remained quiet since the sanctions were announced Monday.

One could only assume that Hackenberg's decision will impact Johnson's, thus putting even more weight on Hackenberg's shoulders. No other recruit has had to endure this much pressure, which makes Hackenberg's story one of a kind.

As far as pressure goes with college football recruiting, Hackenberg is in uncharted waters.

Lead image courtesy of scout.com.