Michal Menet Names Top 5: Which Program Is Best Fit for 2016 4-Star?

Prized Pennsylvania offensive lineman Michal Menet may still be more than a year away from signing with any college program, but he's already developed a list of top contenders. The 4-star recruit tweeted his top five Tuesday, pointed out by Greg Pickel of Scout.com:

Menet, a 6'5", 250-pound junior at Exeter Township High School in Reading, has a trio of Big Ten programs in the picture. Penn State, Michigan State and Ohio State are caught up in another conference power struggle, while Duke and Florida State offer ACC opportunities.

The athletic lineman is rated ninth among offensive tackles in 247Sports' composite rankings and possesses a physical frame equipped to pack on pounds as he matures. Menet holds the top overall ranking when it comes to 2016 prospects in Pennsylvania, a state that perennially produces elite difference-makers.

He already holds invitations to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and Under Armour All-America Game, both scheduled for January 2016.

Now that Menet has provided a glimpse into his thought process toward particular programs, let's break down each favorite in search of an ideal fit.

Duke

The Blue Devils have quietly emerged as an ACC contender in recent years, and on-field success has carried over into the recruiting spectrum. Head coach David Cutcliffe will lead the team into its third straight bowl game this winter and could enter unchartered territory with a top-30 recruiting class in February.

The university's reputation as a globally respected academic institution enhances the sales pitch and attracts players from across the country who've noted that football is on the rise in Durham. Duke's 2015 class features prospects from eight states, including a pair of California 4-stars.

The Blue Devils' 2016 class is on pace to be its best ever based on a strong start. It already features three 4-star recruits, and Menet would provide further clout.

Duke offers him an opportunity to become the team's most heralded incoming lineman in recent memory. He could quickly become an anchor up front for a program with 18 regular-season wins since 2013.

Florida State

The Seminoles are certainly far more established than conference counterpart Duke. Florida State is unbeaten during the past two seasons, and there's plenty of promise for further success in a post-Jameis Winston world.

Head coach Jimbo Fisher has compiled the makings of a formidable rushing attack that could shred defenses for years to come. Dalvin Cook, a 5-star 2014 signee, is gaining steam during the final stretch of his senior season, and more elite backfield help is on the way.

Jacques Patrick and Johnny Frasier—both rated among the top five running backs in 247Sports' composite rankings—are committed to the Seminoles. Even with three quarterback pledges in this class, the future of Florida State's offensive attack appears to be run-heavy.

Just about every elite offensive lineman will tell you he prefers to block downfield, and, judging by his game film, Menet is no exception. Fisher holds just three total offensive line commits in the 2015 and 2016 classes combined.

He'll look to load up on linemen before next signing day and waited only until April to extend an offer to Menet, who would be counted on to keep top-ranked junior quarterback Malik Henry upright for years to come in a talent-laden offense.

Michigan State

The Spartans were among the first teams to offer Menet, pulling the trigger on a scholarship last December. He visited the campus in April, developing a strong rapport with offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Mark Staten along the way.

Michigan State identified Menet as a key target early in the 2016 evaluation process. The team could use a "franchise" tackle who can dominate for multiple seasons and managed to secure just one 4-star recruit at the position during the past three cycles.

The Spartans signed 4-star Pennsylvania defensive back Montae Nicholson in February, and top-rated 2015 pledge Larry Scott is an Ohio product. In order to land Menet, Michigan State would again need to reach into a Big Ten foe's backyard.

Ohio State

Head coach Urban Meyer has made it clear he's capable of securing commitments from every corner of the country during tenures at Ohio State and Florida. Now he'll go toe-to-toe with Penn State coach James Franklin for homegrown Pennsylvania talent.

The Buckeyes beat out Penn State for common 4-star lineman targets Jashon Cornell and Matthew Burrell earlier in the 2015 recruiting cycle, and an ongoing battle carries into the next class. Ohio State has loaded up at offensive skill positions but could still use some more beef up front to protect a collection of quality quarterbacks.

Ohio State swung and missed on Tennessee offensive tackle Drew Richmond in September but made up for it by landing Burrell. The team also holds commitments from several 3-star offensive linemen in the 2015 class, including 6'9", 305-pound New Jersey mauler Kevin Feder.

Meyer's 2016 class features four players, each from Ohio. Buckeyes pledge Tyler Gerald may be the top guard prospect in the cycle and could ultimately line up at tackle.

Menet visited Columbus for a game in September. He landed his Ohio State offer during an April campus trip and will assuredly be on campus again before a decision is made.

Credit: 247Sports

Penn State

The prohibitive favorite in this race due to proximity and program familiarity, Penn State hopes to add to the stockpile of offensive linemen Franklin has acquired since taking the job. The offensive front is in good shape moving forward, which is key considering past scholarship sanctions at the school.

Unlike some teams in his top group, Penn State is preparing for an influx of impact offensive linemen next year. Sterling Jenkins, Steven Gonzalez and Ryan Bates are 4-star recruits capable of contributing early in Happy Valley.

Penn State extended a scholarship at the start of Menet's sophomore season, shortly after Rutgers and Temple became the first options on his list. The coaching regime has changed since, but you better believe he remains a centerpiece on the program's 2016 recruiting board.

The Nittany Lions hosted Menet on campus this summer for camp, and he returned for a game last month. Penn State is still looking for offensive line talent in the 2016 class, but an impressive 2015 haul could potentially create a logjam at tackle.

The Verdict

Expect Penn State to remain a mainstay on his list through the conclusion of this recruitment. However, when faced with finding the best fit, our gaze shifts away from Menet's home state.

The opportunity to fill an immediate need at offensive tackle in Tallahassee is tough to pass up. Florida State has as stable a coaching situation as any university in America and will continue to contend for titles with the recruiting classes Fisher has assembled.

Menet would lead the way for a trio of running backs that could become college football's best backfield. He would also serve as part of the foundation for a 2016 class that already includes a blue-chip quarterback commit who was coveted across the country.

As an offensive lineman, there's a lot to like about a potential role with the Seminoles. That allure leads Florida State to the top of this list.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.