Penn State commit Mathias Barnwell opens up about who he's recruiting, what position he wants to play

Penn State fans won’t find many players out there who are more committed to their school than Mathias Barnwell.

Sure, he did decommit at one point, but that was after becoming the youngest player to ever commit to the Penn State football program in June 2020. Even when he did open his recruitment back up, his love for the James Franklin and the entire staff never wavered.

Researching other schools was the right move. After looking around a little bit more – while also adding a stack of elite offers – it all led back to the same point: Penn State.

Now, the Class of 2023 prospect is one of the most active recruiters for the Nittany Lions, and he’s setting high bar.

“We just want to build a great class. We want our class to be even better than or just as good as the 2022 class,” Barnwell said. “They brought in some special guys, guys that can make an impact early. I think our class can be just as special and contribute early as well.”

Barnwell named prospects like running back Treyaun Webb, linebacker Dee Crayton and offensive linemen Chase Bisontis and Knijeah Harris as a few he’s been steadily speaking with. He actually spent time with Crayton last weekend while on campus for one of Penn State’s junior days. Barnwell said he’s been following Crayton’s recruitment since they were freshman, so he enjoyed spending time with him in person.

He also got to spend time with his newest classmate last weekend in tight end Neeo Avery. Avery, a four-star prospect from Good Counsel, committed to Penn State on New Year’s Eve.

Link: Penn State DE Dani Dennis-Sutton now top-ranked 2022 signee in On3 Consensus

“Me and Neeo were the only [committed] guys who couldn’t make it up this upcoming weekend, but I thought it was good that we got to hang out last weekend and got to know each other more,” Barnwell said. “We had a great time last weekend together. We talked and hung out a lot during the visit.”

Since his freshman season, Barnwell has taken eight trips to Penn State. That number would likely be well over a dozen now if the NCAA didn’t shutdown on-campus recruiting for more than 15 months.

All of those visits have taught him one thing or another, but last weekend was different from all the rest. For the first time, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Virginia native met with Penn State’s defensive staff, as he’s starting to rethink what position would be best for him at the college level.

“So, I’m the one that actually brought it up,” Barnwell said, when asked about his recent talks with the Penn State staff about playing along the defensive line. “After playing [defensive line] my previous two years, and really learning more defense, becoming more accustomed to the position, it feels a lot more natural to me now. I’m starting to believe that’s the best position for me. I wanted to see if they’d give me a chance, and they were all-in with it. They said that I can still play either side, and that it’s something we’ll decide on when I get there.”

Barnwell still spent some of his time with Penn State tight ends coach Ty Howle and the other offensive coaches, but it was also a very positive experience spending a few hours with defensive line coach John Scott and new Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

Link: Updated visitor list for Jan. 29 junior day

“It was truly an honor getting to spend a good chunk of the day with Coach Scott,” he said. “I had previously met Coach Diaz, so it was good to meet more of the defensive staff this time. Coach Scott really clicked with me and my family and I think he’s a great coach. He showed us some different clips from this past season and how they do things defensively. 

“Coach Diaz also pulled up a few of his defensive line schemes and showed how they’re similar to what Penn State has done in the past. That was all great to see and learn about. I can’t wait to get back up for spring ball and watch Coach Scott and the D-line work up close. All of my visits have been for tight end over the years. Getting to see the other side was good.”

In regards to Diaz, Barnwell went on to add, “I think he’s a great person. He seems like a very bright guy. I also noticed that he’s always smiling and joking. He was playing with my little sister. She’s only six, so that meant a lot to me and my family. Everyone up there is like that, so Coach Manny fits it perfectly.”

Now that Barnwell has shifted much of his focus to basketball, he’s actually slimmed down a bit. However, he said that his weight isn’t really a concern now if defensive line is where he plans to play. Instead, it’s all about maximizing his potential before he gets to Penn State.

“Honestly, it’s just naturally happening because I’m playing basketball right now,” he said. “I’ve been in the weight room a lot, trying to lean my body out, but I’m not really too concerned. I feel good. I’m just going to keep working to become the best athlete I possibly can before I get on campus.”