Penn State Football Recruiting: 5 Early Commitments to Look Forward to in 2012

The 2011 Penn State recruiting class is filled with solid, but not great, future prospects.

This is true partially because of Penn State's lackluster past few seasons, and also because of the lack of high school talent in Pennsylvania last season.

In 2012, Penn State's recruiting class should be much better. The talent is much better in Pennsylvania, led by Noah Spence, and the Nittany Lions have gotten a solid early start on the recruiting trail.

The Nittany Lions already have 13 players committed to play in 2012, and that number is sure to grow as the 2011 football season rolls along in Happy Valley.

After this season the Nittany Lions will lose several key contributors. For recruits that could mean early playing time, and early success if they capitalize on the opportunity to play.

Here are five commitments to look forward too in the 2012 recruiting class:

J.J. Denman

To put it simply, J.J. Denman is a massive presence at offensive tackle.

Standing at 6'7'' and 305 pounds, Denman has the body to play early in college while continuing to fill out his frame under a collegiate workout program.

After this season the Nittany Lions will lose all five key offensive lineman, so players will need to play earlier than expected, either as a starter or as depth.

Denman's size allows him to keep pass rushers at a distance, and his athleticism keeps them from turning the corner and chasing the quarterback.

He needs to polish up his footwork, and work on reading his assignments. Denman could be an impact lineman in the future if given enough time to grow.

Jesse James

Jesse James could see early playing time at tight end simply because of his large frame.

At 6'8'' and 250 pounds, James is built more like a defensive end than a tight end.

While playing for South Allegheny High School, James did play both ways as both a tight end and a defensive end, but his future in Happy Valley is still up in the air.

He runs a 4.7 forty-yard dash. This speed, combined with his amazing size, either allows James to stretch the field in the passing game, or get into the backfield on defense to bring down the ball carrier.

No matter where he lines up, James has the body type to make an impact as a Penn State player. He will need time to mature and learn the nuances of college football, but before all is said and done, James will make a name for himself in State College, PA.

Joey O'Connor

Along with J.J. Denman, Joey O'Connor will vie for early playing time for the Penn State Nittany Lions' offensive line.

O'Connor does not have Denman's height, but at 285 pounds, he has the bulk needed to push around lighter defensive ends from day one.

In 2010, O'Connor was first-team All-State in Colorado, and was also the Offensive Player of the Year in his conference.

Penn State will need impact lineman early on in 2012. O'Connor has the potential to provide depth up front early in his career.

He is a solid run blocker because of his strength and knowledge of his position.

Camren Williams

Camren Williams has the speed and athleticism Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley loves.

According to rivals.com, Williams is the sixth best inside linebacker in the 2012 class, despite playing some strong safety for Catholic Memorial School.

Penn State is always looking for new linebackers to terrorize opposing offenses and Williams could be the next great name to arrive in Happy Valley.

His athleticism could earn him playing time early. If he can bulk up, and learn the complicated Penn State defensive schemes, he could be a contributor in the middle of the field from day one.

Brent Wilkerson

With Penn State's top two defensive ends, Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore, set to graduate after this season Joe Paterno will need depth along the front four in 2012.

2012 commitment Brent Wilkerson could help alleviate that problem as soon as he arrives.

Standing 6'4'', Wilkerson has the height needed to affect a quarterback's vision in the pocket, and his 4.9 forty time allows him to chase down ball carriers in the backfield.

A second team All-WCAC selection in high school, Wilkerson can be a terror for opposing offensive tackles attempting to stand between him and the ball carrier.

Tom Bradley loves big, athletic playmakers along the front four and Wilkerson should be another great name to rise from the Penn State defensive ranks when all is said and done.