QB Recruit Kevin Newsome Solves Penn State Depth Issue

Last night prized quarterback recruit Kevin Newsome gave a solid verbal commitment to Penn State, solidifying the depth chart at the most important position. The significance of this news should not be taken lightly.

In the aftermath of the news that current backup Pat Devlin was leaving the program, it was clear that Penn State, already facing some issues in the future at some key positions, needed to bring in somebody at another position that is hard to recruit this time of year.

Newsome was a former Michigan commitment, but perhaps the Wolverines' atrocious season led the kid to change his mind about going to Ann Arbor. Since de-committing from Michigan, Newsome had narrowed his choice down to Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Boston College.

Perhaps the Devlin news had some swaying power over the Virginia recruit, or maybe it is the level of the program over the other options.

Virginia Tech got off to a rocky start this season with a loss to East Carolina but rebounded to win the ACC in 2008 and will play in the Orange Bowl. They knocked off Boston College in the conference championship game. The ACC is a league that is highly criticized for mediocrity, and many feel they do not deserve an automatic BCS berth, similar to the Big East.

Penn State, playing in another widely scrutinized conference, is coming off a Big Ten championship season and is making a trip to the Rose Bowl. Penn State had a much more successful season, and the system is put in place for a player of Newsome's ability and style.

Newsome is likened to Daryll Clark and is supposed to be better all around. Measuring at 6'3" and 213 pounds Newsome's arm strength and overall mobility will lead to his success on the field. He provides solid leadership qualities and is a competitor according to scouting reports.

With Clark returning for 2009, Newsome will have a full year to learn the system and have Clark as a mentor, who was mentored by Michael Robinson.

Clark should be a great mentor for Newsome in his freshman year.

Bottom line here is that this is great news for Penn State. There is still some work to be done offensively. The wide receivers being brought in hardly put fear in anyone, so perhaps some talented receiver will see Newsome coming to Penn State and will change his mind.

All in all, Penn State currently has 22 commitments.