Committany Nation: Looking Ahead to Junior Day and Recapping Visits

Junior Day Taking Shape

Penn State is gearing up for its Junior Day on February 25, this being the second such event the Nittany Lions are holding this year. The first quasi-Junior Day was held on the last Sunday in January. Subsequently, the weekend resulted in the Nittany Lions landing four commitments: RB Ricky Slade, LB Jesse Luketa, LB Charlie Katshir, and DE Nick Tarburton.

With another talented group set to visit Happy Valley, James Franklin can only hope to continue this hot streak on the recruiting trail. While the majority of prospects scheduled to visit are still unconfirmed, we know that wide receiver Jasiah Provillon, defensive lineman Dorian Hardy, and safety Kwantel Raines are expected on campus.

Lions To Host Ohio Linebacker

Although he won’t be making it to the Junior Day, linebacker Brian Asamoah will instead visit the Nittany Lions this coming Sunday, according to Sean Fitz of Lions247. Asamoah was last in Happy Valley for the Ohio State game, and it was shortly after the visit that he landed an offer from Penn State.

With Katshir and Luketa already in the fold, Brent Pry will be able to be selective with the last linebacker spot. We’ve talked previously about names like Teradja Mitchell, Payton Wilson, and Dax Hollifield, but it’s probably fair to say that Asamoah is still in the “take” category as well. Despite only being a mid-three-star, it’s obvious the Penn State staff liked what they saw in his junior film.

George Makes It To Penn State

Four-star wideout Daniel George visited the Nittany Lions last weekend for a one-on-one visit with the coaching staff.

Penn State was the perceived leader heading into the visit, and not surprisingly, the Nittany Lions are still well-positioned for the Maryland prospect. George will take his time and go see some other places — most notably Virginia Tech — but Penn State is off to a very good start.

Illinois Safety Visits Happy Valley

The coaching staff stayed busy earlier this week, hosting three-star defensive back Zaire Barnes on Monday, according to Sean Fitz of Lions247. The 6-foot-1, 204-pound safety is still without a Power Five offer, but being that Penn State is showing legitimate interest this early, it probably won’t be long for Barnes to see his offer list grow. Potentially a kid to keep an eye on in the summer and fall, depending upon how Penn State fares with other safety prospects like Isheem Young and Kwantel Raines.

Penn State “Sticking Out” To Texas CB

It’s a premium article, but Texas four-star cornerback Verone McKinley III says that the Nittany Lions and in-state Texas A&M are sticking out to him in the early going. McKinley III is good friends with current commit Isaiah Humphries, thus the interest in the Nittany Lions. He should eventually make his way to State College for a visit, but it’ll be a tough pull from Texas. Good sign though that Penn State is starting to generate some pull outside of its traditional recruiting areas.