Christian Hackenberg: Revisiting PSU Is Best-Case Scenario for Both Parties

Christian Hackenberg needs answers.

Before ESPN's No. 1-rated quarterback makes a decision to leave or stay with Penn State, he needs to sit down with the program and figure everything out. ESPN reported that Hackenberg is scheduled to revisit Penn State, and that's comforting news for both parties.

It's uncertain when Hackenberg will make the visit, but this is a positive sign for Penn State. Not only does that mean Hackenberg is still interested in coming, but it gives head coach Bill O'Brien a chance to comfort the 4-star commit and reel him back in.

O'Brien told ESPN.com that he "feels good" about where Penn State is in recruiting. 

"We're going after a certain type of player," O'Brien said. "We're going after a tough kid. We're going after a high-character kid, and we're going after a kid that wants to get a great education."

If any recruit needed high character in such a situation, it would undeniably be Hackenberg right about now. You can only imagine how tempting it must be to walk away, play for a different school and leave Penn State in the rear-view mirror.

Why, two other 4-star Penn State commits have already done so. Cornerback Ross Douglas withdrew his verbal and gave it to Michigan, while 4-star defensive tackle Greg Webb committed to North Carolina. 

Seeing as though Hackenberg is No. 16 on the ESPN 150 and how much he impressed Trent Dilfer pre- and post-Elite 11, he should have plenty of schools throwing themselves at him during this process. And who would question him for leaving after Penn State's four-year postseason ban sanction by the NCAA? No one, or at least nobody should.  

But think about the legacy Hackenberg creates should he choose to keep his commitment. If he plays for Penn State and wins multiple football games with the program, it'll be an accomplishment worth recognition.

With very little left to pitch at recruits, that's certainly a point O'Brien can drive home to this outstanding prospect. O'Brien shouldn't sugarcoat anything, but this is an opportunity to deliver a positive message while being completely honest with Hackenberg. 

For the time being, O'Brien should just rejoice that Hackenberg has yet to decommit and be thrilled to sit down and talk to him face-to-face.

Penn State is still in the game as far as Hackenberg's recruiting process goes, and if they're straight forward with their hopeful quarterback, he could still be a Nittany Lion.