Top Penn State commit Kemon Spell will attend Nittany Lions' Lasch Bash recruiting BBQ
McKeesport (Pa.) running back Kemon Spell became Penn State’s first commitment in the Class of 2027 in August of 2024. Since then he’s been a regular visitor in Happy Valley. Spell confirmed on Saturday evening that he’ll be back on campus for the Nittany Lions’ Lasch Bash Recruiting Barbecue on Sunday.
Despite his commitment to Penn State, Spell has remained a hot name in recruiting circles. Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee are among the offers he picked up in the spring. He reaffirmed his pledge to the Nittany Lions at the end of March and has been in regular contact with running backs coach Stan Drayton. The two worked together at camp earlier this month.
“Me and [Penn State running backs] coach [Stan] Drayton’s relationship has gotten stronger and stronger the more we talk, the more we go over things,” said Spell. “I saw something special in my eyes. I want him coaching me [from] what I seen on my visit today. It is something like home, that’s where I’m meant to be, where I was born to play.
“The coaches, they all love me. I got to sit down and have a few conversations with the offensive coordinator [Andy Kotelnicki]. I love his energy, he loves me and wants to get to know me more.”
Spell leads the way in Penn State’s Class of 2027, a group that boasts three commitments so far, all of which reside in the Top 100 of the On3 Industry rankings. Spell is joined by Pittsburgh (Pa.) Seton-LaSalle wide receiver Khalil Taylor (No. 53 overall) and Middletown (Del.) Appoquinimink offensive tackle Layton von Brandt (No. 59 overall).
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Penn State commit among the nation’s best in 2027
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Spell is the nation’s top running back in the Class of 2027 according to both the On3 and On3 Industry rankings. The potential five-star checks in as the No. 12 overall prospect in the Industry rankings and the No. 8 player in the Class of 2027 in On3’s own rankings. He’s listed as the top prospect in the Keystone State by all four services.
Joining one of the nation’s top position rooms will come with high expectations, and On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power said that Spell can be as good as any recent Penn State running back.
“I loved Kemon Spell’s sophomore film,” said Power. “It’s a continuation of what we liked with him when we made our watchlist before the season. I think he’s outstanding at breaking tackles. He’s really tough to bring down. I love the base and balance he plays with. He spins off tackles regularly. It’s rare to see the first defender bring him down. He’s very efficient, too. Going into the playoffs, I believe he was over 11 yards per carry and played both ways. So, you love to see that.
“He’s a great football player. I think when you look at the running back position, you look at a guy like Saquon Barkley, who’s very difficult to tackle. I think Spell has a lot of those qualities. He runs well, and while I do think he can continue to improve his top end [speed], his initial burst is really good. I think it’s also important to mention that this looks like a strong running back group. We thought he was the top running back in the cycle on the early sophomore watchlist, and we came out of this update thinking he’s still the best.”
