Penn State Football Recruiting: Top Impact Performers from Early 2015 Class

Penn State head coach James Franklin is a miracle worker.

As the nation gears its attention toward national signing day, many are in for a surprise—the Nittany Lions are right there with Auburn, Notre Dame and the nation's other top programs in terms of 2015 class grades, coming in at No. 12 overall at 247Sports.

Franklin simply finds a way. The 2015 class is 24 members strong with a whopping 13 4-star recruits. Some committed outright. Franklin managed to steal others.

Based on Franklin's usage of freshmen during last season's 7-6 campaign, the victories on the recruiting trail will only continue to translate to the field.

When it comes to top commitments expected to push for early playing time, a few come to mind right away.

Sterling Jenkins, OT

Credit: 247Sports

Sterling Jenkins is a large human.

At 6'8" and 307 pounds, the 4-star recruit figures to provide relief to a struggling unit right away.

Relief is exactly what the Nittany Lions need, too, as last year's debacle is one that will not fade for a long time. Not only did Franklin use defensive tackles as backup guards, the line as a whole helped the rushing attack to average just 101.9 yards per game and allowed 44 sacks in the process, per ESPN.com's Brian Bennett.

Jenkins needs plenty of work in the technique department when it comes to passing downs, but the Lions can plug him in at least on the interior, and it will be an upgrade in comparison to last year.

In tandem with other commits, such as tackle Ryan Bates and guard Steven Gonzalez, Jenkins leads a 2015 class that will improve the offensive trenches.

Saquon Barkley, RB

Credit: 247Sports

Franklin is by no means in desperate need of another running back right out of the gates next season. 

After all, Akeel Lynch is still around after rushing for 678 yards and four touchdowns last season. Joining him off of the redshirt list will be Mark Allen, Johnathan Thomas and Nick Scott.

Saquon Barkley is talented enough to surpass all of them anyway.

A 4-star recruit out of Whitehall High School, Barkley is a bruiser at 5'11" and 190 pounds who can hurt defenses between the tackles and also act as a reliable three-down back thanks to consistency as a receiver.

Barkley also recently shared a positive note about a visit from Franklin:

All it takes is for Barkley to show well in August and the Lions will suddenly have a deeper platoon at the position than anyone imagined.

That folks, is a great problem to have.

Johnny Petrishen, S

Franklin loves his versatile prospects.

Johnny Petrishen is a recent addition to the 2015 class, as Onward State captures, and he gives his new coach plenty of options:

A 3-star safety recruit from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Petrishen touts 4.48 40-yard-dash speed, making him a valuable asset at more than just safety.

There is a potential safety spot up for grabs, although other commits, such as Jarvis Miller and Ayron Monroe, will compete for playing time all over the roster, too.

Shareef Miller, DE

Credit: 247Sports

The value of rotational depth along the defensive line at any level cannot be understated.

At Penn State, Shareef Miller is the most explosive lineman in the Lions' class, as well as a recent grab. It is clear that the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native is all-in with Franklin, as captured by Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

While only a 3-star end, Miller has the sheer talent and the athleticism to contribute right away, although that will likely be reliant on his ability to add clean bulk to his 6'5", 230-pound frame.

Miller leads a strong class that includes Kamonte Carter and Ryan Buchholz. As far as immediate upside goes, Miller offers quite a lot.

Player rankings based on 247Sports' composite ranking system. All recruit measurements and stats courtesy of 247Sports.