Penn State Football Recruiting: 9 Recruits to Look For Next Season

The Penn State Nittany Lions kicked off the 2011 season winning two of their first three games.

However, many fans are already gearing up for next season.

Despite their 2-1 record, the Nittany Lions have showcased an abysmal offense at times to go along with their above average defense. Because of this, many fans are excited about a recruiting class ranked 14th in the country by rivals.com.

It's no secret. The Nittany Lions could use talent and depth at many positions heading into next season. On a team without a true leader, every position should be up for grabs heading into 2012.

Infusing talent into a lagging program is never a bad idea. Next season, the Nittany Lions will have several freshman challenging for playing time next fall.

Here are nine players to pay attention to heading into next season:

Camren Williams

Camren Williams will enter Happy Valley as a linebacker next season despite also lining up at running back in high school.

Rivals.com ranks Williams as the 10th best inside linebacker in the 2012 class. Considering Penn State's tradition as "Linebacker U," Williams will be well received.

Williams has solid size, but because of his experience in the backfield, he is fast enough to track down players from behind.

Penn State currently has great depth at linebacker. However, talent should never be turned away.

Look for Williams to challenge the incumbent linebackers during spring practice.

Brent Wilkerson

Penn State struggled to pressure the quarterback in 2010. So far this season, the trend has continued.

Next season, Brent Wilkerson could help with that problem.

Coming out of Maryland, Wilkerson is ranked as the 13th strongside defensive end in the 2012 class.

Wilkerson runs a 4.9 40-yard-dash time. He has the size to compete for playing time right away. Wilkerson's athleticism is sorely needed up front.

The Nittany Lions need major help on the defensive line. Pressure has been sub-par. With players graduating, next season could be worse.

Help from players like Wilkerson will go a long way toward determining the success of the Penn State defense over the next few seasons.

Armani Reeves

Penn State's secondary is arguably their best defensive unit this season. Regardless, talent and depth are always a nice commodity.

Armani Reeves will provide both talent and depth next season.

Reeves possesses average height for a cornerback. However, he has solid ball skills and should get stronger.

If rivals.com player comparisons were gospel, Reeves would start from day one. According to rivals.com, Reeves is in Asante Samuel's mold.

Reeves may not start right away. He will need time to adjust to Tom Bradley's scheme. He will also need to bulk up.

Look for Reeves to be a big contributor on the back side of the Nittany Lions' defense in the future.

Joey O' Connor

Offensive line is a recurring need for every college football program every season, despite usually sitting for a full season to learn their new playbook and blocking schemes.

Joey O'Connor will enter Penn State with the size to compete right away, but he will also need a year to sit and learn. He will need to work on his footwork. Collegiate defensive ends are much faster than high school offensive linemen are used to.

O'Connor has been compared to Jonathan Stinchcomb by rivals.com. Penn State fans hope he can develop into a veteran presence during his four years in Happy Valley.

Penn State's offensive line has struggled to make room for Silas Redd this season. They have also struggled to maintain the pocket on passing downs.

Next season, they need to be better.

Competition in the spring will help both returning players and incoming freshmen like O'Connor.

J.J. Denman

J.J. Denman will have to wait to see the field for Penn State. However, his size is very encouraging.

Denman is 6'7'' and 310 pounds. That's before a college workout program.

He will need to learn behind veteran Penn State linemen first, just like fellow freshman Joey O'Connor. In the future, O'Connor and Denman could be two important Penn State bookends.

Despite his size, Denman needs to work on his basic skill set. If he can do that, he will be a quality contributor in two seasons.

Penn State should be encouraged. Two talented offensive tackles will be waiting in the wings as soon as next season.

Nyeem Wartman

Nyeem Wartman will add another athlete at linebacker for Tom Bradley's defense in 2012.

In 2010, Wartman collected 115 tackles as a junior for Valley View High School. He makes plays from sideline-to-sideline. He is a great tackler in the open field.

Nate Stupar graduates after this season. Wartman will be a viable contender for that backup role from day one.

Khairi Fortt, Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges return at outside linebacker next season. Wartman should make this great group even better.

Look for Penn State to hold the "Linebacker U" title for at least a few more years.

Tommy Schutt

Tommy Schutt will have a shot to see the field right away for the Nittany Lions in 2012.

With Devon Still graduating, Schutt will get every chance to play next to Jordan Hill in the middle.

According to rivals.com, Schutt can be compared to Green Bay Packers defensive tackles B.J. Raji. Consider that a compliment.

Schutt is considered the fifth best defensive tackle in the country. He comes in ranked 40th overall in the Rivals 150.

Talent is something to look forward too. Schutt has it. He recorded 14 sacks last season for Glen Bard West High School. He also had the motor to rack up 67 tackles despite his 300 pound frame.

Penn State fans should be very excited to see Schutt in action next spring.

Anthony Stanko

Anthony Stanko joins J.J. Denman and Joey O'Connor to give Penn State a trio of talented 2012 offensive line commitments.

Stanko stands 6'5'' and is just over 300 pounds. He has the size to compete right away, but his footwork will keep him on the sideline for his freshman season.

He does not receive the national recognition. However, Stanko will surprise people if he works hard to improve as soon as he arrives on campus.

Either way, Joe Paterno has to be very happy with his trio of potential tackles for the future.

It is never bad to have choices. Paterno will have just that.

Eugene Lewis

The Penn State Nittany Lions have not thrown a touchdown pass through three games this season.

Talented receiver Eugene Lewis will provide another hopeful target for either Penn State quarterback next season.

He draws comparisons to Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson. Hopefully just in regulation time.

Lewis stands 6'2'' and has playmaking ability. The graduation of Derek Moye will make his presence more important.

Lewis played both running back and quarterback in high school. He combined for 30 touchdowns in 2010. His versatility will help his chances at seeing the field immediately.

College football has gotten faster. Players like Lewis will help Penn State keep pace for the next few seasons.