Penn State recruiting rundown with Blue White Illustrated

Penn State has assembled one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. It’s a 2022 class that features 16 four stars, six three stars and an average rating of 90.16.

With around 40 days until the start of the early signing period, the Penn State class also ranks No. 7 in the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Ranking, the most advanced and accurate team ranking in the industry.

Even with a solid foundation in place, there’s still a lot of interest surrounding Penn State recruiting. There’s a handful of players the Nittany Lions are still targeting. Plus, there’s been rampant speculation about James Franklin’s future in Happy Valley with so many other jobs already open.

On3 talked with Blue White Illustrated’s Ryan Snyder about Penn State’s remaining targets, which Nittany Lion coach has dominated the recruiting trail and how questions about Franklin’s future impact the final stretch.

Who is the most important target still on Penn State’s recruiting board?

“I’ll lean towards linebacker Jaishawn Barham from St. Frances in Baltimore. A four-star prospect according to the On3 Consensus, Barham earned an offer from the staff way back in January 2019. Penn State and Florida actually offered him on the same day. They were the first Power Five programs to recognize how special of a prospect he could be, and Penn State’s interest has never wavered. 

“They do have two linebackers already committed in Abdul Carter and Keon Wylie. Carter could grow into a defensive end, however, so they really want another box linebacker in this class and Barham is one of the best in the country.

“It feels like Penn State sits in a good position, too. They’ve had some interesting recruiting battles with Maryland over the years and this feels like another one of them. Barham was actually just at Maryland this past weekend. Penn State wants to get him back on campus for its game against Michigan on Nov. 13. South Carolina and Florida are also in the mix, but I’d be surprised if he’s not playing in the Big Ten.”

What is the most important position(s) still to fill and the main targets to fill those spots?

“With 25 high school or junior college prospects committed, plus Harvard offensive lineman Spencer Rolland set to transfer to Penn State once he graduates, this class is basically full. Adding a linebacker with Barham’s skill would be a plus, while a quality tackle prospect like Julian Armella or Aamil Wagner is also coveted. Wagner is set to announce next week on Nov. 11. It should come down to Kentucky and Penn State. If he goes to Kentucky, I’m hearing Penn State would like to host Armella for an official visit a few days later for the game against Michigan.

“PSU parted ways with defensive back Jordan Allen recently after he decided to take an official visit to Ole Miss, but they don’t have to fill his scholarship with another defensive back. California native Larry Turner-Gooden took an official visit in September, so he is one to watch. James Franklin and his staff are also chipping away at a few quality defensive backs who are currently committed elsewhere, but again, it’s not a must.”

How many will Penn State sign in this class and why? Will they hold some spots for the transfer portal?

“Not including Rolland, I expect the class to finish around 26 or 27. Meaning they have room to add one or two more if they can find quality prospects. They’re not in a position where they absolutely have to take a player at any given position. It’s mainly about adding quality at this stage. 

“The transfer portal is why I think they could save that scholarship originally slotted for Allen. As the season has gone on, more and more cracks have become apparent at a few positions. If Sean Clifford doesn’t use his extra season of eligibility next year, Ta’Quan Roberson would be the only quarterback with any real game experience, and even that is limited. I feel like they have to add a quarterback in the portal.

“There are other positions that could use some experienced talent, too. This class is already at the number we originally projected back in the spring. Scholarships are going to be tight, even with a handful of outgoing transfers expected to come.”

Who is the most important commitment in Penn State’s 2022 class?

“It has to be Drew Allar. Although I’m very much in the boat that Penn State needs an incoming transfer to play quarterback next season, Allar is an incredibly special prospect. Give offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich a ton of credit for seeing his potential before most other schools.

“While Trace McSorley and Clifford have both been pretty good for Penn State under Franklin, not having that elite quarterback play that Ohio State has had in recent years has played a major role in the Nittany Lions not getting over the hump. 

“Allar can bring that to Penn State. But I’m still a bit hesitant to say he should start as a freshman. I think if Penn State’s goal is to always make a New Year’s Six bowl, at minimum, you’d be asking a lot from a freshman, especially with a road trip to Auburn in Week 2.”

Snyder talked with On3’s Charles Power this week about how they think Allar fits into the Penn State scheme.

What are recruits saying about Penn State’s season? Has the play on the field helped them with prospects?

“I really haven’t heard a ton about that from the 2022 guys. Obviously, the loss to Illinois was a major letdown for everyone. But everything else has pretty much played out as expected. I think most recruits who watched that Iowa game know that Penn State was on pace to win that one if Clifford doesn’t leave the game.

“With all the talk about Franklin being a candidate for the LSU and USC jobs, that’s all that anyone seems to be focused on right now, and with good reason.”

What will be the biggest recruiting surprise between now and the early signing period?

“It’s all about what happens with Franklin over the next six weeks. We know he wants to get more facility upgrades accomplished, and that’s been his message to recruits, too. He’s been consistent with that for years now. 

“If he were to leave, I don’t see any world where it happens after the early signing period. These programs are making moves early to make sure they can salvage their classes before Dec. 15. A departure would have a major impact on Penn State’s Class of 2022.”

Which Penn State coach has done the best job recruiting in the 2022 class?

“Penn State truly uses a group approach. That makes it hard to single out one specific coach. If you’re an offensive player, basically the entire offensive staff will be contacting you throughout the week. The same can be said on defense. 

“Penn State is having a lot of success around Philadelphia and with defensive backs this year. So, you can make the case for Terry Smith. He also recruits areas in Texas, so he played a big part in landing Cristian Driver.

“I would probably lean toward Smith if I had to pick one. But again, their approach is for an offensive or defensive recruit to be comfortable with everyone on that side of the ball. It’s never really one coach winning a player over.”