Penn State commit spotted on sidelines elsewhere with familiar 2025 prospect
Penn State running back commit Messiah Mickens took the opportunity to visit elsewhere on Saturday. With the Nittany Lions on the road out at Purdue, Mickens was confirmed to be on the sidelines Saturday afternoon at South Carolina. Not only that, but the Harrisburg native made the trip with another key recruit for the Nittany Lions, 2025 wide receiver Lex Cyrus from nearby Susquehanna Twp.
Both Mickens and Cyrus grew up playing youth sports together, so their friendship is well-documented by now.
“We talk almost every day. I’ve been trying,” Mickens said when asked about Cyrus about two weeks before his commitment to the Gamecocks in July. “I think it’s going to happen. I think he still has some thoughts about South Carolina, but man, even if he did go there, I think we’ll find a way in the end to get him to Penn State.”
But what’s also well-documented is the strength of Mickens’ commitment. Since ending his recruitment before his sophomore season in Aug. 2023, the On300 running back has been on campus as much as anyone, totaling 12 visits in a 14-month span.
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His former head coach at Trinity, Jordan Hill, is also now part of Penn State’s football staff. Mickens said earlier this year that he’s not only happy for Hill to get that opportunity, but he’s also excited that he’ll be in the same building in the years to come.
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“Honestly, I think that’s great for both of us having him take that job. I knew he wanted that opportunity for a while, and the time was right for him,” Mickens said. “So, having him there and having me staying committed there, I feel like that’s a bond that’s never going to end between me and Coach Hill. It’s going to be great for both of us having him up there.”
As for Cyrus, Penn State continues to pursue the four-star speedster, but he’s also visited South Carolina twice in the past three weeks. With just 17 days remaining until the early signing period, his commitment to the Gamecocks feels as strong as it’s ever been. He also informed Gamecock Central reporter Chris Clark two weeks ago that he’s firmly committed.
Both Cyrus and Mickens are among the best players in Pennsylvania, regardless of class. Cyrus is currently ranked No. 110 nationally and fourth overall in PA for his class. Mickens is ranked No. 129 nationally and is also fourth overall in PA for the 2026 class.
