Khairi Fortt Picks Penn State
Gimme another flesh-eating linebacker and a siren WHOOOOOO!!!!!
The 2010 Penn State recruiting class juggernaut continues to roll as today the Nitts got a major commitment from Connecticut linebacker Khairi Fortt. Fortt is scheduled to make the announcement at a press conference at his local high school later this afternoon, but Sports Illustrated has let the cat out of the bag early.
"I picked Penn State because I thought it was a great institution and program where I could mature as a man and role model," Fortt said. "All of the other colleges had wonderful aspects but Penn State had the 'IT' factor and full package, which set them apart from any other school for me."
Fortt is a highly coveted target by most of the major football programs in the country. Fortt held an offer list that included Georgia, Tennessee, Michigan, and North Carolina. Ultimately it came down to a decision between Penn State and Georgia. Fortt made a visit to Georgia a few weeks ago and the Bulldogs coaches made a big impression on him. But apparently, the players put in charge of hosting Fortt completely blew it.
Fortt had a great visit when he went to Georgia during the summer. He made an instant connection with coach Mark Richt and his staff, loved the campus and program and the school vaulted Penn State at the time.
Fortt made his official visit to Georgia on the weekend of Sept. 12 and saw the Bulldogs' 41-37 win over South Carolina. Fortt, who has family in the area, said his mind changed when, on two different occasions, the players who were put in charge of showing him around abandoned him. On one instance, Fortt was left to wander the campus by himself early in the morning.
"Two guys left me," Fortt said. "I was left at a dorm party with people I didn't know. Once I was just walking alone in the streets. Georgia is a school in the south, in a top conference, the SEC, the weather is warm, I have a lot of family there and the academics are good. It was all how I connected with the players."
Fortt came home and had pretty much decided he would commit to the Nittany Lions. He went with his family two weekends ago back to the Penn State campus for one final look, which finalized the process.
Thanks Georgia! S-E-C! S-E-C! S-E-C!
As a junior, Fortt recorded 118 tackles and two interceptions. He also caused four fumbles. ESPN has this to say.
Fortt is a strong, physically stout linebacker prospect and maybe one of the better projected strong side 'backers in this class. Has all the physical attributes you look for in the position. Tall, thickly-built with explosive power and functional strength. High-cut frame but still plays with good bend in his knees, flexibility and leverage. We would like to see him make quicker reads on the football between the tackles, but he still shows the good downhill burst to beat blockers to the point of attack and blow up the inside run. Can mirror with good short-area change-of-direction skill between the tackles. One of the better linebackers we have seen in this class at stalemating the cutoff block when reached at the second level and shedding demonstrating his impressive hand strength. Does tend to open up his whole body and will need to work slipping the blocks of bigger linemen at the next level. Flashes good lateral agility and hips pursuing outside of the tackles with direct angles to the ball. Long strider who covers a lot of ground quickly sideline-to-sideline. Closes on the ball carrier with good burst and velocity in space. Very strong, explosive tackler. However, he does flash some stiffness opening to turn and run on pursuit and in coverage. May struggle if matched up in space. Has some original wasted motion and we have concerns about his ability to consistently make plays inside-out on faster ball carriers at the next level. Not real reactive or fast-twitched. While he certainly shows good range and lateral agility for his size, physical tools and skill-set may be better suited in the short-range as a strong or inside 'backer. We question his competition at times but he physically dominates which is what you want to see happen.
Here's what you've won.
'10 CT LB Khairi Fortt (via RedshirtScouting)
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54 comments
Comments
Forrt is B10 material
He wasn’t abandoned, he couldn’t keep up with his speedy Georgia hosts.
I cannot believe the class we have, from a star rating and the variety of positions of need we are filling. PSU is going to remain good for years to come.
"How many things do you do where you are involved with 110,000 other people on the same page? Unless you're in an English class cheating with 30 other guys."
by psu on Oct 5, 2009 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Wow!
This is huge! Welcome aboard, Khairi… best wishes for a great career as a Nittany Lion!
by BSM PSU 93 on Oct 5, 2009 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice!
I’m very excited about the kids in this class. I can’t wait to see the results on the field!
by MGPardoePSU on Oct 5, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is great news
I was actually just checking Scout and Rivals to see if he had made a decision as planned for today and Rivals said he wasn’t announcing until 1:15, so I was pleasantly surprised to see the siren greeting me when I checked BSD.
Welcome to linebacker U, Khairi!
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 5, 2009 12:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really like this
Boasting a GPA of 3.0, Fortt plans to enroll in Penn State in January. He was philosophical about his decision to choose the Nittany Lions.
I want to see how many guys out of this class start early. The soon we get them in to camp the better they will be. He will become a lot bigger and faster once he gets into PSU weight program.
by jetskijoe on Oct 5, 2009 12:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love January enrollment!
One it really helps the kids develop and gives them a much greater chance of making an impact their freshman year. Two, with recruits this highly touted it takes some of the stress away from February LOI day.
We are not normal. We are legends.
by NittanyAlum02 on Oct 5, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read that as "February LOL day"
Predicting Penn State's Offensive Scripts since 2005!
by Kunza on Oct 5, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOOO WOOOO
Welcome aboard Khairi!!! (or should I say Mr. Fortt?)
by The JuggerNitt on Oct 5, 2009 12:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome news!
It was expected but still exciting!! This class has MNC material!!!
by RNF18 on Oct 5, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Does Everyone Remember
When Joe couldn’t relate to 18-year olds?
Of course I'm home. I'm always home. I'm uncool.
by WestPointLion on Oct 5, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Apparently it was just
a virus. One he coughed onto Bowden at the 2005 Orange Bowl.
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
by rahpsu92 on Oct 5, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oooh, buuuurn
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 5, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOOO
"Wherever you go, Penn State will go with you. You are now a part of her. Her image will be cast in your image. Your reputation will become her reputation."
by noodlebucket on Oct 5, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So nice of him to complement our full package.
by Cairo on Oct 5, 2009 1:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lolcoxsonandkuntzlol
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 5, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love when you look at pennstate.scout.com
And the four random guys on the right that pop up are 3 4*s and a 5*, and you have a new 4* announcement on the page.
by psume06 on Oct 5, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm no math wizard...
Kenney, Graham, and Levi are 3*; Coxson and Jones are 5*. That should put our average star rating just a hair under 4.0. Giggity.
by PSUJunny05 on Oct 5, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When we get Floyd (crosses fingers)
it will be a nice even 4….
by whiteoutonly on Oct 5, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be nice
but I’m not going to hold my breath. Maybe LJ Sr. will work his magical powers, I just hope Urban didn’t inject too much poison.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 5, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scout
has us as the number 3 recruiting class for 2010. Ahead of 5 different ZOMG ESSSS EEEEE SEEEEE teams in a row… this is a beautiful thing.
"The only cohesive passing game in the whole damn conference was in Happy Valley." -Rivalry Esq.
by BSmith717 on Oct 5, 2009 1:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That is without Fortt included... We're actually #2.
by psume06 on Oct 5, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We'll also be #4, if not #3, on Rivals
Depends on points – our lower 4*s have gotten us around 200, Fortt is in the 5* range (#30, top 50 winds up as 5*).
by psume06 on Oct 5, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is beautiful.
"The only cohesive passing game in the whole damn conference was in Happy Valley." -Rivalry Esq.
by BSmith717 on Oct 5, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Highest star average
Guess i should have looked at the scout rankings page before my above post. 3.94 is our average, which should go up to about 3.96 or so when Fortt is oficially added to the list. Texas at 3.89 and Florida at 3.88 are next.
by PSUJunny05 on Oct 5, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Already did the math...
depending on rounding, we’re still only 3.947some… I presume that gets us 3.95. And when they bump Kenney back up to 4, we’ll hit an even 4.0.
Also, I read someone that Graham may be getting bumped to 4, so… That would make it 4.03 or something.
by psume06 on Oct 5, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
CHI-EAR-REE, or CHI-REE? Hopefully I’m not being obtuse.
by PSUJunny05 on Oct 5, 2009 1:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thats actually a good question, I was wondering myself
by RudyWasOffsides on Oct 5, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer...
![]()
"That's why you don't play! 'Cuz you're no good!" -Joe Paterno
by pmm156 on Oct 5, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dammit
I was just Google Image searching for that.
by PSUJunny05 on Oct 5, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was a video interview with
Silas Redd where he pronounced our new LB recruit’s name as “Ky-ree”.
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
by rahpsu92 on Oct 5, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
It’s “Ky-Ree”
I like it. For the longest time I was mentally pronouncing it as “Kerry”
by GreatScawt on Oct 5, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always pronounced it "Kay-ree"
Carey with a long A.
NittanyWhiteOut.com. Arguably the second best Penn State blog I know of.
by PSUdevon on Oct 5, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome aboard Mr. Fortt.
Thoughts: It is so very important that we clean up the few elite prospects that come out of the northeast every year. NY and New England rarely produce a ton of blue chippers, but when they do, I’m glad we can put our muscle in there and keep the kids from giving in to southern temptations; a Paterno Wall if you will.
You know how schools try to challenge the LBU title? Or they mock our lording around of said title? You know what? They can suck it. Obviously the kids buy into it, because rarely does a year go by without at least 1(or more) blue chip LB prospects, and most of the time they cite our production of LBs to be a key factor in their decision making.
As my man Chris Carter said on draft day: “If you want a donut, you go to Dunkin Donuts. If you want a linebacker, you go to Penn State.”
Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.
"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."
by Roland86 on Oct 5, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pffft... Paterno Wall
Everybody knows the only reason this kid even sniffed at Penn State is because he didn’t meet Rutgers’ high academic standards.
"I thought the kid we were using had the potential to be a good quarterback, and I blew that one." - Joseph V. Paterno
by leeharvey418 on Oct 5, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just got done watching his highlight reel.
wow is he disgusting. I knew he was good, but damn.
his closing speed is great
he’s intelligent (follows the play and holds his position really well)
he’s got a sense for the ball
absolutely blows up blockers (the one highlight he was double teamed and still hit the runner)
i can only imagine how great he’s going to be when he hits a college workout program.
Meadville, PA born and raised.
by mikeissurreal on Oct 5, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Excellent video - the guy is an absolute beast
Gradulations Mr. Fortt, welcome to Penn State.
"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza
by NJ lion on Oct 5, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody think we get any of the remaining 5-stars on our recruiting board?
I would guess…best chance is Floyd.
I saw a little of Lattimore on TV the other night. That kid is a beast. They were playing a St. Thomas Aquinas of Ft’ Lauderdale that has like 15 D-1 players on it. Urban was on the sideline.
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
Vince Lombardi
by PaJoe on Oct 5, 2009 5:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's a problem, cause Urban was telling him
the JoePa is old and can’t coach, has lost control of his program, and a lot of DT’s have been kicked off the team lately, and the next position to go is RB.
Thanks, Urban.
by psume06 on Oct 5, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Urban also mentioned the abundance of free surplus Russian assault rifles at Florida
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 5, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great
How are we going to land the kid now with an argument like that?
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 5, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Free canoli?
No, it’ll never work. Joe is so out of touch.
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 5, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I BLAME JAY
wait, he does QBs….AW HELL IT’S STILL HIS FAULT
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 5, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In the words of Balki Bartokomous...
wuh-wuh-wow!
I’m really liking this recruiting class. Of course, a few highly regarded recruits will do that. Here’s to these kids turning into the players folks think they will be.
by MainLion on Oct 5, 2009 10:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll fix it for you
Of course, afewbajillion highly regarded recruits will do that.
by PSUisMyHeart on Oct 5, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the number was
more like a brazillion.
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
by rahpsu92 on Oct 6, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brazillion?
Khairi Fortt is Pelé-Approved!

"In the beginning the Universe was created.
This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
by IcersGuy on Oct 6, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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