National Signing Day 2016: Preferred Walk-On Primer

On National Signing Day, lost in the shuffle of stars and shocks and shady flips, three players (plus a fourth who is already enrolled) will become what Bill O'Brien once referred to as "run-ons." In the sanction era, preferred walk-ons became tremendously important for Penn State due to scholarship restrictions. While that is obviously in the past, the value of these types of contributors to the football program as a whole should not be overlooked. The preferred walk-ons of the 2016 class could each make an early impact for the Nittany Lions.

Welcome to Penn State, Michael Shuster

Courtesy 247Sports

Vitals

Storyline

Did you know that Penn State flipped a commit from Michigan? It's true! Shuster was under the Khaki spell in October, but flipped to Penn State yesterday. Shuster, a three-sport letterman, has all sorts of state passing records for Camp Hill, and will look to emulate the success of fellow Penn State pro-style walk-on PA quarterback Matt McGloin.

Confirmation Tweet

#WeAre pic.twitter.com/mcM8IsV5HK

— Michael Shuster (@M_Shuster12) February 2, 2016

Film Room

--

Welcome to Penn State, Hunter Kelly

Courtesy Sean Fitz // 247 Sports

Vitals

Storyline

Kelly is a big strong offensive lineman from Bucks County. Penn State, as you may or may not know, has struggled mightily on the offensive line in the post-sanction era. Adding valuable depth in the trenches, a luxury in the O'Brien years that has become a new necessity, Kelly already has a division one build, and gives Penn State assistance at a position of great need.

Confirmation Tweet

Excited for this journey.. WE ARE ⚪️ #DaPride16 #Unrivaled #107KStrong #BackOnTopSoon pic.twitter.com/3YdTEP0qtq

— Hunter Kelly (@_hunterkelly_) February 1, 2016

Film Room

--

Welcome to Penn State, Isaac Lutz

Courtesy 247 Sports

Vitals

Storyline

Wide Receiver is probably Penn State's deepest position, but the Nittany Lions certainly need some help at defensive back. Plus, you can never have too many guys who can run a 4.5 40 at 18. That's Lutz for you, a do-everything two-way player for District 3-AA champions Berks Catholic. He had four touchdowns from both sides of the ball in the title game for the Saints, per the Reading Eagle. Hopefully he can pull off that kind of magic in Beaver Stadium one day.

Confirmation Tweet

Proud to say I'll be continuing my education and football career @ Penn State University ⚪️ #WeAre pic.twitter.com/2MpBQLjdsE

— Sac (@isaac_lutz) February 2, 2016

Film Room

--

Welcome to Penn State, Jason Vranic

Courtesy Erie Community College

Storyline

A 2014 Junior College All-American honorable mention, Vranic has already enrolled for this spring semester. Penn State is lacking depth at the position, and the Buffalo-born linebacker seems more than up to the challenge. He'll be experienced after transferring from Erie Community College, and could see time on special teams. His highlight video below is pretty promising. (And look at that hair! -NP)

Confirmation Tweet

I am truly blessed to announce that I will be taking the opportunity to play football at Penn State University pic.twitter.com/FeTmNK3tE2

— Jason Vranic (@JasonVranic) December 29, 2015

Film Room

--

Welcome to the family, Michael, Hunter, Isaac, and Jason!