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Early National Signing Day 2019: Open Thread

Early National Signing Day Weeeeeeeeeeeee!

By Patrick Koerbler Updated
NCAA Football: Kent State at Penn State Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

The (first) culmination of the recruiting year is finally upon is — Early National Signing Day! This will be our recruiting hub for the day so as Penn State’s class becomes “official” we’ll be updating this post. We’ll also be pushing out other articles throughout the day as well, so be sure to check them out. And last but not least, if you aren’t following us on Twitter, please do: @BSDTweet.

CLASS UPDATES

No. 1 Four-Star CB Keaton Ellis is in!

Ellis was the first member of the 2019 class so it only makes sense he’s the first one to sign too. With him enrolling early, he could factor into some playing time at cornerback next season. Better size than people realize as he’s a legitimate 6-foot-0, and he has blazing speed to go along with it.

No. 2 Four-Star RB Devyn Ford is in!

One of the more impressive recruiting victories for the Nittany Lions, Ford was long thought to be headed to Virginia Tech or the SEC/Clemson. That all changed during the spring though, especially during Ford’s official visit to Penn State for the Blue-White game.

No. 3 Four-Star DB Joey Porter Jr. is in!

Bringing an NFL pedigree to Happy Valley, Porter Jr. could end up at a number of different positions — cornerback, safety, or even linebacker.

No. 4 Four-Star DT Hakeem Beamon is in!

For a class that’s essentially all four-stars, it’s hard to say any one recruit is under-the-radar, but Beamon might be that one for me. I think he’s going to a terror on the inside at the three-technique where he can utilize his size, strength, and quickness most effectively.

No. 5 Four-Star OG Saleem Wormley is in!

Saleem Wormley will remind a lot of folks of CJ Thorpe. He’s not the tallest guy in the world, but there’s a whole lot of mass to him, and like Thorpe, he’s an absolute bully on the field. Really finishes his blocks, and then laughs in your face when he does it.

No. 6 Four-Star QB Michael Johnson Jr. is in!

While Penn State isn’t going out of its way to recruit another “LION,” Johnson Jr. is the type of athlete that could slide right on in for that role as he progresses as a quarterback. Tremendous athlete, has the arm talent, but will just need to hone his skills a little bit more.

No. 7 Four-Star CB Marquis Wilson

It feels like he’s one of the forgotten members of the class, but I love Marquis Wilson. He has to get much bigger, but if you want to talk about a smooth, natural corner, Wilson is your guy. Plays with some swagger too, which is always fun.

No. 8 Four-Star DE Adisa Isaac

Anytime you can get a Top 100 prospect, that should be celebrated. When that Top 100 prospect is also a defensive end, well, that’s even better. Isaac has gains to make in the weight room, but he’ll be a major player here at Penn State before too long. Elite pass rushing ability.

No. 9 Four-Star OG Caedan Wallace

Wallace jumped on board early and was an anchor of the 2019 class. He’s got the size to play or jump out to tackle and has impressive athleticism for a big man. Wallace likely won’t see the field for a couple years, but has the chance to be an All-Conference or All-American caliber offensive lineman.

No. 10 Five-Star LB Brandon Smith

Perhaps the biggest addition to the 2019 class, Smith will almost assuredly see the field next season. His 6-foot-5 frame is reminiscent of that of a defensive end, but his athleticism is that of a safety. Smith could play any of the three linebacker spots and will have high expectations from day one.

No. 11 Four-Star DB Tyler Rudolph

Rudolph’s size allows him to play either corner or safety for the Nittany Lions. Though it appears Penn State wants him to play for Tim Banks’ safety unit. The Connecticut native has great ball skills and has a good shot to follow in the steps of Adrian Amos and Marcus Allen to become the next great safety for PSU.

No. 12 Four-Star LB Lance Dixon

Lance Dixon was a big get for the Nittany Lions, pulling in the Michigan native ahead of the Wolverines and Spartans. Dixon is a fantastic athlete for the position and will likely play at the SAM for Brent Pry. He flies to the ball and also has excellent hips when dropping into coverage.

No. 13 Four-Star JUCO OT Anthony Whigan

The first of two big signings from Lackawanna CC, Whigan follows in the footsteps of Paris Palmer and, in the right scenario, could compete for a spot on the line next season. At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Whigan is a mountain of a man. He’ll have three years to play two, though I wouldn’t be surprised if he factored in immediately depending on departures for the NFL Draft.

No. 14 Four-Star QB Taquan Roberson

With Roberson, both quarterbacks are now officially in the class. Roberson isn’t the athlete that Johnson Jr. is, but he can move a good bit in his own right. Extremely accurate, poised kid, and he has a stronger arm than people realize too. He isn’t going to wow you from a physical perspective, but Roberson has the potential to be a big time quarterback.

No. 15 Three-Star JUCO DB Jaquan Brisker

Brisker might be the only three-star in the class, but he very well could be starting at safety for Penn State next year. He’s a pretty complete player — great size, good athlete, can play in coverage, and is also apt at coming up and stopping the run.

No. 16 Four-Star WR John Dunmore

Despite some late drama, John Dunmore is officially a Penn State signee. Terrific job by James Franklin, JaJuan Seider, and David Corley to not only land Dunmore, but to keep him in the fold this month. At 6-foot-2, Dunmore brings some much needed size to Penn State’s wide receiver group. Give him a year or two to pack on some mass, and he’s going to be a heck of a possession wide receiver.

No. 17 Four-Star TE Brenton Strange

Playing in West Virginia, Strange was late to the recruiting process, but the Ohio State and Penn State offers over the summer tell you all you need to know about Strange’s upside. He’ll need to learn how to block a little bit, but he’s a very good athlete that has great length.

No. 18 Four-Star RB Noah Cain

Statement pickup from Penn State here. The Nittany Lions have a lot of depth at running back, but with Noah Cain enrolling early, he can absolutely factor into playing time next year.

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