Jerry Sandusky: Why Penn State Will Lose Recruits over Disgusting Scandal

Eighteen-year-olds are not going to want to go to a school mired in a scandal involving allegations that a once-respected figure sexually assaulted children.

And that is exactly the fate Penn State faces following the allegations revolving around Jerry Sandusky.

If you have been under a rock for the past day and need to get up to speed on these allegations, check out the grim details in Dan Wetzel's article on Yahoo Sports.

In the ultra-competitive world of college recruiting, something as insanely taboo as this will be a death nail to Penn State.

The effects can already be seen in this tweet by prized recruit Noah Spence.

According to Scout.com, Spence is the No. 1 rated defensive end recruit in the nation.

What is especially troublesome about this for Penn State's recruiting prospects is that he hails from Pennsylvania.

The fact that a player in the Nittany Lions' own backyard has quickly and publicly expressed disgust for Penn State is a sign of what they can expect.

Spence's reaction is undoubtedly similar to recruits all over. Given the choice between two high profile schools, most recruits are going to choose the one that isn't stained with the perception of fostering a culture of covering up the actions of a child molester.

You can see these feelings oozing out of this comment, quoted on ESPN, by tight end Jesse James. James, ESPN's No. 26 tight end, has already committed to Penn State.

"

"I'm still solid and all. I'll have to wait and see what they have to say about it."

"

That is a less than ringing endorsement. Trepidation fills that second sentence. As more details surface, and this continues to get press, James and others will be filled with doubt and regret. 

Conclusion

The Nittany Lions are going to have to shift their entire recruiting focus. They will not be able to compete with other schools for blue chip recruits.

This will lead to a need to settle for players that are being spurned by other schools and are hungry for any chance to play in big-time college football.

It is going to take years, and complete reshaping of the program, before they are free from the stains of these events.