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Recruiters, rev your engines...
When Thursday (January 14th) officially rolls around, the 'dead period' will officially be over, and the final, unrestricted contact period for the 2016 recruiting class will begin. Coaches will be allowed to contact prospects via the postal service and the internet (though that ability is never taken away), visit prospects at home, visit prospects at their school and have the prospects come to visit said coaches' collegiate institutions. In other words, it's the final round of open season for the 2016 class. For a full explanation of the various rules of the recruiting calendar, SB Nation has you covered.
James Franklin and company will surely be plenty active during this time, and we'll keep you updated on their activity as we become aware of it.
Responding to coaching changes
Penn State's coaching staff has had quite the tumultuous week, losing defensive coordinator and safeties coach Bob Shoop to Tennessee and offensive line coach and run game coordinator Herb Hand to Auburn. As a result, there were many Penn State fans concerned that this would have a negative effect on recruiting. Let's check out some of the responses that have been compiled so far.
Shane Simmons- Simmons spoke to Lions247 about the departure of Coach Shoop.
"I am 100 percent committed to Penn State," Simmons told Lions247 shortly after the news broke. "I chose Penn State for many reasons - all of which are still here. I am excited to play for Chaos (defensive line coach Sean Spencer) and coach (James) Franklin. I can't wait to wear the Blue and White. I wish Coach Shoop the best, but I am excited for all that we will do as Nittany Lions."
Andrew Pryts- Greg Pickel has a fantastic breakdown for PennLive on Pryts that should you hop over and read, but here's the money quote:
"It's a business," Andrew Pryts wrote in a message to PennLive. "At the beginning of the recruiting process I told myself I wouldn't make a decision based on a coach and I never did. "It's unfortunate to lose a coach like [Shoop] after the relationship already built, but it's part of the game. I have full trust in Coach Franklin and the staff that things will work out."
MIchal Menet- Menet took to Twitter to make his feelings known.
Penn State is my home and I cannot wait to get there and put us back on the map with my team!!! ⚪️ #WeAre
— Michal Menet (@Mike_Menet72) January 10, 2016
Will Fries- I texted back and forth with Will a bit, and here's what he had to say about Herb Hand's departure:
"Still digesting it but I get college football's a business so I understand it."
If we find more reactions, we'll get those in the next Committany Nation for you.
Quinn Nordin sets official visit, will also have sleepover with Jim Harbaugh
The top kicker in the country, who still is a Penn State commit, will be visiting Happy Valley at the end of January, during the last, big 2016 recruiting weekend. He'll be surrounded by commits and high-profile targets, everyone will have fun and talk about football, and Nordin will probably love it. Sound good, Penn State fans?
Penn State Official vist on the 22nd #WeAre
— Quinn Nordin (@QuinnNordin) January 11, 2016
Also in Quinn Nordin news, Jim Harbaugh is planning on having a sleepover at Nordin's home to convince him to come to Michigan. He offered to help Quinn take down the Penn State decorations in his room. React to that how you will.
New highlight tape
No. 1 rated 2018 dual-threat QB, Phil Jurkovec (Pine Richland, Pa.)-
No. 12 rated 2016 CB, Damar Hamlin (Central Catholic, Pa.)--
Micah Clark announces his top group
The 2017, high four-star offensive tackle (No. 9 OT in the country) has narrowed down his list. The Holmdel, Nj. native will choose between the following schools for his college destination. It's a long list, but it's still an encouraging sign for Penn State that they's on it.
My list is not in order. I want to thank all the College Coaches who gave me the chance to play at the next level. pic.twitter.com/8KvIvpDUnk
— Micah Clark (@MicahClark17) January 12, 2016
Link$
-Connor McGovern, and early enrollee in the 2016 class, could be looking at immediate playing time.
-What to know about Penn State's four early enrolled 2016 recruits.
-Former Penn State commit, Ross Douglas, is seeking a transfer from Michigan.
-The U.S. Army Bowl MVP? 2017 Philadelphia running back, D'Andre Swift.