RECRUITING DEAD PERIOD EXTENDED

In a move that was expected, the NCAA has extended the mandatory recruiting dead period through July 31.

While this officially wipes out any summer camps that were not already canceled and recruiting events such as Penn State’s Lasch Bash, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. With each passing day there appears more likely that there will be college football this fall, even if the season starts late and/or is shortened. It is hard to envision a scenario where games are being played but programs are unable to host recruits.

Look for visits to resume this fall. When that occurs, assuming it does occur, do not be surprised to see a wave of de-commitments nationwide. The amount of players currently committed across the country is more than double what it was last year at this time. When players can visit schools again it would be a surprise if there is not a large number of players who de-commit from their current school in order to visit other schools they wanted to visit this spring/summer but were unable to.

NEW OFFERS

On Friday, Penn State extended another new 2021 wide receiver offer. This offer was extended to California native, and Oregon commit, Kyron Ware-Hudson.

Ware-Hudson has been committed to Oregon since December. When the emergency recruiting dead period ends the Nittany Lions may look to get Ware-Hudson on campus. But that could be difficult to do.

2022 cornerback Raleigh Collins has also earned an offer from the Nittany Lions. This is the first Power 5 offer for Collins.

Since Penn State offered, Ole Miss has as well. Collins is transferring to Neumann Goretti in Philadelphia where he will play this fall. This adds Collins to Pennsylvania’s deep and talented 2022 class.

TOP GROUPS

As the Nittany Lions continue to look to add to their offensive line class, they find themselves in the top five for Georgia native Bryson Estes.

Estes was able to visit Penn State prior to the emergency dead period. This visit took place for a junior day back in January. Right now, Estes appears to be down the board a bit for Penn State. Estes will be an interior offensive lineman at the collegiate level. Current commit Nate Bruce will also play inside in college, and the Nittany Lions have a big need at tackle in this class. Regardless, popping up in the top five for an out of region prospect is never bad for brand recognition.

The Nittany Lions have also made the top four of defensive end George Wilson.

The four-star Virginia Beach native has not visited Happy Valley yet. However, he has been high on Penn State since being offered by new defensive line coach John Scott Jr. back in March.

Right now, Penn State appears to be in Wilson’s top two along with North Carolina. With Penn State’s need at defensive end this cycle and the lack of quality options in the region, Wilson has quietly become a very important player this cycle. Look for Wilson to be in a hurry to get to campus this fall.