Last week we discussed Penn State’s recruiting outlook on the offensive side of the ball. This week, let’s take a look at where the Nittany Lions are sitting with some potential future Wild Dogs.
Defensive End
Commit: Nick Tarburton
Targets: Micah Parsons, Eyabi Anoma, Jayson Oweh
Analysis: Nick Tarburton’s position has yet to be fully decided. There might be a slight possibility that he stays at middle linebacker, but he’s already a really big kid with the frame to hold another 20-25 pounds, so it’s probably more likely he ends up at defensive end.
So who could join Tarburton on the edge? Despite decommitting from Penn State a couple weeks ago, the Nittany Lions are still in a pretty good position for Micah Parsons. He’ll take a southern tour at some point, and should see Alabama, Georgia, and Florida State, but I still believe his decision will come down to Ohio State and Penn State. It’s probably fair to say the Buckeyes lead right now, but another strong showing on the field from the Nittany Lions this upcoming season should go a long way in landing Parsons’ signature come February.
The Nittany Lions are also in heavy pursuit of Jayson Oweh, who is fresh off a visit to Happy Valley this past weekend. The New Jersey defensive end is a freak athlete that blew up this spring, having landed offers from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Virginia Tech (this makes him elite) since the beginning of April. Oweh’s 247 Crystal Ball currently has all 10 of his predictions set for Penn State so it’s safe to say the Nittany Lions are sitting pretty well here.
Penn State was lit pic.twitter.com/5STgacCiHN
— Clout J (@JaysonOweh) May 20, 2017
Also, keep an eye on Maryland’s Eyabi Anoma. He hasn’t had the opportunity to visit too many schools to this point, but he finally made his way to Penn State this past weekend. Alabama and Maryland look to be the other major players here, but like Tariq Castro-Fields last year, Penn State could give him the best of both worlds — competing for championships while staying close to home.
Defensive Tackle
Commits: None
Targets: Dorian Hardy, PJ Mustipher, Marcellus Earlington, Tyler Friday, Aeneas Hawkins, Tyreke Smith
Analysis: The Nittany Lions are still without a defensive tackle commit, but that could be changing shortly as PJ Mustipher is getting ready to decide within the next couple of weeks. Like Oweh and Anoma, Mustipher was also on campus this weekend, and it looks as though the visit gave Penn State a lot of momentum. Mustipher picked up multiple Penn State predictions on 247’s Crystal Ball, most notably one coming from Steve Wiltfong and Sean Fitz.
What y'all think? pic.twitter.com/KtGsqo1BYX
— Pj Mustipher (@KingPJ55) May 20, 2017
Joining Mustipher could be Dorian Hardy, who’s been a Penn State lean for quite some time now. Hardy will have to add some mass — he’s only weighing in at 241 currently — but he should find a home at the 3-Tech spot. Ohio State, Michigan, and to a lesser extent Alabama remain options, but it’s hard to see the Nittany Lions not eventually being the choice. (*knocks on wood*)
I’d also keep an eye Marcellus Earlington. He doesn’t have the offers Mustipher and Hardy do, but he’s a really impressive athlete, as displayed by his basketball highlights — and this is at 260 pounds. We’ll see if Penn State pushes for three defensive tackles, but if it has the room, Earlington would be an intriguing option.
Tyreke Smith, Tyler Friday, and Aeneas Hawkins all remain viable options for Penn State, but I believe it’s more than likely they end up elsewhere. Smith seems destined for Ohio State, Friday is looking like Michigan, and Moeller probably has Ohio State and Cincinnati (his father played there) out in front.
New Jersey Under Armour Camp Highlights
Plenty of Penn State prospects were on hand for Sunday’s Under Armour camp, and Tyler Donohue of LandOf10.com was on-site to provide some terrific coverage:
WR Justin Shorter
Great play/moment for #PSU WR commit @JustinShorter15 here. He was called out by DBs at start of camp.
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) May 21, 2017
Turn up your audio for this one... pic.twitter.com/lyyFm7L401
Welcome to the family. Earning their Golden Tickets to the 2018 #UAALLAMERICA Game: Calvin Avery & Justin Shorter! #IWILL pic.twitter.com/qouNCBdfAq
— All-America Game (@AllAmericaGame) May 21, 2017
DB Isheem Young
4-star @Imhotepfootball DB @Isheemyoung showing off his athleticism.
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) May 21, 2017
Young's college options include #PSU #Buckeyes #Clemson #FSU. pic.twitter.com/mbDG7T1ODD
DE Jayson Oweh
Your Big Man Challenge winner: Jayson Oweh #UAALLAMERICA pic.twitter.com/p6D6SU1IvO
— All-America Game (@AllAmericaGame) May 21, 2017
CB Nyquee Hawkins (2019)
Earning his Silver Ticket: NyQuee Hawkins! #Future50 #UAALLAMERICA pic.twitter.com/MahGnmJaFW
— All-America Game (@AllAmericaGame) May 21, 2017