4-star RB Corey Smith commits to Penn State Nittany Lions

Waukesha (Wis.) Catholic Memorial four-star running back Corey Smith announced that he has committed to Penn State. He chose the Nittany Lions over Notre Dame, Tennessee and Wisconsin among others.

Smith is the No. 221 overall prospect and No. 18 running back in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 3 player in Wisconsin.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound tailback visited Penn State on March 24 and told Sean Fitz of BlueWhiteIllustrated that he was “looking for the family aspect in things and a real atmosphere that I could see myself committing to in the next few months or year.” He then returned to State College for the Nittany Lions’ spring game on April 15.

“Today was a great day,” Smith told Ryan Snyder of BlueWhiteIllustrated. “Great vibes, great team, great atmosphere all-around, specifically the players. They showed competitiveness during the spring game, which was very entertaining.”

For more Penn State recruiting intel, check out BlueWhiteIllustrated.

Landing Smith continues Penn State’s recruiting success this cycle

Smith gives head coach James Franklin and his staff pledges from three of the top four players in Wisconsin. The others are Waukesha (Wis.) Catholic Memorial interior offensive lineman Donovan Harbour and Hartland (Wis.) Arrowhead three-star offensive tackle Garrett Sexton.

Overall, Penn State has landed commitments from eight players this month. They include Smith, Harbour, Sexton, Belle Vernon (Penn.) athlete Quinton Martin, Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin cornerback Jon Mitchell and Reading (Penn.) Wyomissing three-star athlete Caleb Brewer.

Following Smith’s pledge, the Nittany Lions’ 2024 recruiting class climbed to No. 10 in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. It also ranks No. 3 in the Big Ten.

Smith is the fifth four-star to choose Penn State this cycle. The Nittany Lions’ group is led by Martin, the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania and a top-50 prospect nationally.

“What stood out the most, is probably their commitment to me,” Martin told On3’s Hayes Fawcett on April 7. “From the moment their staff started recruiting me, they have done nothing but make me feel wanted, comfortable, and capable of anything I put my mind to.”

“It means the world,” he added about playing college football in his home state. “It’s always been my dream to play for (Penn State University), and I’m going to do everything in my power to bring a national championship to them.”