Powerful OL Donovan Harbour ready to help Penn State win a national championship

Competition hardly materialized in the college football recruitment of Donovan Harbour before and after he committed to Penn State on April 18. The top 525 three-star offensive lineman was all about playing his college football for the Nittany Lions.  

“When I went down there to see the whole family, I saw how capable they are of being joined together by (head) Coach (James) Franklin,” Harbour told reporters during Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game media day in Orlando, Florida. “I just feel like Coach Franklin is going to lead us to a national championship.”

During his recruitment, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 44 interior offensive lineman and No. 4 prospect in Wisconsin, Harbour, reported offers from 20 other Power Five programs. The 6-foot-3½, 335-pounder said Tennessee was the only school that competed with the Nittany Lions for his commitment. 

Kansas made a push toward National Signing Day for Harbour. But the Waukesha (Wisc.) High product never wavered in his Penn State pledge. His comfortability in Happy Valley was a key reason he remained loyal to PSU. 

“(Tight end) Jerry Cross is from Milwaukee, and we talk a lot,” Harbour said. “He just showed me Penn State is home. If I ever need anything, I can come to him.” 

Harbour also raved about his relationship with offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.

“We’re pretty close,” Harbour said. “I show him my film, and he teaches me. He shows what I did good and bad. He gives me a motivational kick each and every day. And he shows me what they’re doing because I’m not going early to school, so he helps me out with the playbook.”

Penn State’s playbook could appear different next season with Andy Kotelnicki joining the program as its new offensive coordinator earlier this month. But Harbour is excited to have a coach he is familiar with operating the offense next season.

“I met from Coach K, and we talked,” Harbour said. “So, I know that I can trust him. … it’s going to be amazing. I know that (running backs) Coach (Ja’Juan) Seider and (tight ends) Coach (Ty) Howie took it over the last few weeks. But I feel like this new change will be amazing.” 

Harbour will also join one of his high school teammates at Penn State, top 350 four-star running back Corey Smith. He is excited to put a Catholic Memorial stamp in Happy Valley.

“I’m glad we’re going together,” Harbour said. “We’ve known each other since my childhood.” 

Habour, Smith, and the rest of the Penn State 2024 recruiting class are ready to help win a College Football Playoff trophy with the Nittany Lions.

“We talk about going there and competing at the highest level,” Harbour said. “We want to go win a natty. That’s all we talk about.”