I'm finally getting around to completing this series. Let's take a look at the defensive backs and how the coaches will focus on them in this upcoming recruiting class. First, let's take a look at the 2007 roster.
Cornerbacks
Jr - Tony Davis - 5'10" 193
Jr - Justin King - 6'0" 179
Jr - Lydell Sargeant - 5'10" 176
Jr - Devin Fentress - 5'10" 175
So - Willie Harriott - 5'8" 176
So - Knowledge Timmons - 5'10" 181
So - A.J. Wallace - 6'1" 189
Fr - Stephfon Green - 5'11" 187
Safeties
Jr - Spencer Ridenhour - 6'0" 199
Jr - Anthony Scirrotto - 6'0" 192
rFr - Bani Gbadyu - 6'1" 206
rFr - Travis McBride - 6'1" 192
rFr - Cedric Jefferies - 6'2" 192
Fr - Nick Sukay - 6'2" 200
Fr - Drew Astorino - 5'11" 178
Fr - Chaz Powell - 6'1" 194
Fr - Joey Suhey - 6'2" 205
In 2007 Penn State brought in five defensive backs with Green, Powell, Sukay, Astorino and Suhey. It's rumored that Astorino and Suhey may be asked to grayshirt their first year. King and Scirrotto are locks for starting jobs in 2007. I suspect Wallace will replace Davis at the opposite corner and either Davis or Ridenhour will take over the free safety spot vacated by Donnie Johnson. All of these guys have at least two years of eligibility left, although there is a very good chance Justin King will elect to go pro after the 2007 season.
Six guys will run out of eligibility after the 2008 season. There isn't an immediate need since their replacements are most likely already on the team with Sukay, Green, Powell looking like future starting material. But with six guys slated to leave after 2008, the coaches will want to soften the blow. Grayshirting Astorino and Suhey will help that, but I suspect the staff will try to bring in a pure corner, a pure safety, and another kid that can possibly play either position. Should they come up short it's no big deal since there are plenty of players with at least three years of eligibility left.
Possible Targets
CB - Jarred Holley - 5'11" 170 - Easton, PA (offered)
CB - Ben Barber - 5'11" 105 - Alexandria, VA
CB - Cameron Saddler - 5'6" 156 - Monroeville, PA
S - Leon Green - 6'0" 195 - West Mifflin, PA
S - Rotell Jenkins - 6'2" 180 - Richmond, VA ( offered)
S - Rick Rattay - 6'0" 185 - Toledo, OH