Zack Kuntz to Penn State: Nittany Lions Land 4-Star TE Prospect

The resurrection of Penn State's football program is continuing on the recruiting trail. Zack Kuntz, perhaps the top tight end in the class of 2018, announced his verbal commitment to the Nittany Lions before Saturday's game against Michigan State:

A product of Camp Hill (Pennsylvania) High School, Kuntz is Scout's No. 67 overall player and the third-ranked tight end in his class. He had offers from a number of the nation's top schools, including Alabama, Michigan and Ohio State.

Penn State had long been in pole position for Kuntz's commitment because of his family's relationship with the school. His brothers Brandon and Christian played at Penn State; he's also a homegrown kid who has made multiple unofficial visits to the university.

Saturday's verbal commitment came as the capper to his weekend trip to see the seventh-ranked Nittany Lions cap off an undefeated season at home.

Listed at 6'7" and 215 pounds, Kuntz is a big-time athlete at the tight end position who also competes in the high jump. He uses his unique combination of size, speed and athleticism to get open in the middle of the field and make big plays; he is more of the modern-day type of tight end rather than a classic blocker.

Penn State coaches' first task with Kuntz will likely be turning him into a competent run-blocker. Next will be adding strength to his still-developing frame.

Still, this is nothing short of a coup in what's looking like a stellar recruiting effort from head coach James Franklin. Penn State ranks fourth nationally in 247Sports' early look at the 2018 class. Franklin previously landed 5-star defensive end Micah Parsons and a trio of 4-stars (wide receiver Justin Shorter, tight end Pat Freiermuth and offensive tackle Chris Bleich).

With Franklin freed of the hot-seat murmurs he heard after Penn State's 2-2 start, the commits should continue to flood in for a rising Nittany Lions program.

Recruit rankings and information courtesy of Scout unless otherwise noted.

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