Born and raised in Huntingdon, PA, just outside of State College, John O'Korn moved to Florida to be closer to family at age 16. Despite the increased distance from the Penn State campus, O'Korn is looking for an offer from Penn State and a chance to possibly return to Pennsylvania to play college football.
The 6-3, 210-pound junior O'Korn currently plays for St. Thomas Aquinas, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where his sights are set on improving on his junior season.
"Last year we had a good season, but we didn't reach our goals and we have a lot to improve on this offseason. We are returning a lot of starters, including many on the offensive line. I'm excited to get back to work with all of my teammates and start working towards another state and national title run.
"Anything short of that would be a disappointment. There are expectations at St. Thomas Aquinas that no other high school in the country has."
While looking forward to his senior season, O'Korn is also beginning his recruitment process, and is hearing from some top schools around the country, and is looking to hear from two more.
"I don't have any offers yet but I'm hearing from a ton of schools. Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, USF and Wisconsin have all showed a lot of interest and I talk to their coaches on a weekly basis. I'm really hoping to hear more from Alabama and Penn State.
"Things will really pick up when spring practice starts and I can prove myself to coaches who come out to our practices."
Growing up nearby, O'Korn is very familiar with Penn State and all it stands for, so getting up for a visit isn't a pressing issue at the moment. The distance doesn't help, so for now, he's visiting regional schools. He recently visited Georgia, and has plans to make a trip to South Florida, Florida, and Florida State in the coming weeks.
The one obvious change since O'Korn left Pennsylvania is the new coaching staff at Penn State, and O'Korn has certainly taken notice.
"[Penn State] is definitely a top choice for me and Coach O'Brien's offensive mind makes me even more interested."
In addition to Wisconsin, O'Korn is getting interest from other northern schools like Rutgers, West Virginia, and Boston College. But one seems to stand out for the quick quarterback, who said he would prefer a pro or spread style offense over a spread offense.
"We'll have to see how it all plays out, but an offer from Penn State is something I've been hoping for."
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