Stock Up: Two Penn State commits on the rise following strong performances at Elite 11
It’s been no secret over the past few days that future Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer was one of the most impressive prospects at this year’s Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles. Since earning MVP honors on the first day, On3 Scouting Director Charles Power has consistently mentioned Grunkemeyer’s mechanics in just about every update he’s had following the event.
Tuesday was no different.
With Overtime’s OT7 Finals also taking place in Los Angeles over the weekend, Power wrote a stock up article this morning detailing those that impressed him the most from both events. To no surprise, Penn State’s future quarterback was one of the first players mentioned.
“Ethan Grunkemyer was the most pleasant surprise at the Elite 11 Finals,” Power wrote. “We entered the event having liked what we saw on video from his junior season and previous camps. With that said, the Lewis Center (Ohio) Olentangy product exceeded expectations. Grunkemeyer finished third in On3’s Top Performers from the event. He was the On3 MVP on Day 1, showing fluid, explosive ability as a passer. He continued to impress on the final two days.
“The Penn State pledge drove the ball down the middle of the field as well as any quarterback in attendance. The ball came out of his hand hot. We also liked his coordinated movement patterns. He was smooth in his drops and looked to have arguably the best mechanics on hand. Grunkemeyer currently holds an 89 rating from On3 and checks in as the No. 23 quarterback in the 2024 cycle.”
But it wasn’t just Grunkemeyer who earned a mention in this update.
At one point this spring, tight end Luke Reynolds was the lowest-ranked player in Penn State’s class. The On3 Industry Ranking – which weighs On3, 247, Rivals and ESPN – had him ranked at No. 977 in the nation when he announced in late March.
How quickly things have changed.
James Franklin and Penn State’s coaching staff already knew how athletic he was after he camped last summer. The rest of the world found out this spring, following two strong camp performances at the UC Report in New Jersey and the State College All-22 Camp.
Running a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, a sub-4.3-second shuttle and a vertical jump of 38 inches, Reynolds has rocketed up the rankings at multiple sites. Both 247 and Rivals rate him as a four-star now, with 247 having him in the Top 100 nationally. That’s a major reason why he’s now No. 298 in the Industry Ranking.
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So, it should come as no surprise that Reynolds, who earned MVP honors at his position, caught the attention of Powers out in LA.
“A number of skill players rolled through the Elite 11 Finals, working as pass-catchers on Day 1 and Day 2 and playing 7-on-7 on Day 3. No player among that group was more impressive than Luke Reynolds,” Power wrote.
“For one, the Penn State pledge seemingly ran hundreds of routes without showing noticeable fatigue. Reynolds backed up his top-notch combine athleticism by showing excellent burst and change of direction within his routes. He also showed reliable hands and some physicality in contested situations. Reynolds currently holds a three-star rating from On3.”
Time will tell if both Grunkemeyer and Reynolds earn four-star ratings by On3. Reynolds is now considered a four-star prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings, giving the Nittany Lions nine four-star commitments total.
Grunkemeyer has climbed from No. 644 overall when he committed – which was exactly a month ago today – to No. 472 overall. He still holds a three-star rating by the three major sites, but how long will that last?
We’ll find out in the weeks ahead.
