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Penn State gets on the board in 2027 with commitment from in-state RB Kemon Spell

Fitz headshot croppedby:Sean Fitz•08/02/24•

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Running back Kemon Spell. (Credit: Ryan Snyder | Blue White Illustrated)

Penn State has had a busy recruiting week since the Lasch Bash over the weekend. On Friday morning, the Nittany Lions got rolling in their Class of 2027. 

McKeesport (Pa.) running back Kemon Spell announced his decision on Friday morning. He’s the first commitment for the Nittany Lions in the Class of 2027. He was in town on Saturday for the Lasch Bash. 

“I committed to Penn State,” he told BWI. “I was up at Penn State [on Saturday]. And I loved the environment, the staff, the coaches, the love for the kids and players and it’s great coaching.”

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Spell was recruited for the Nittany Lions by veteran assistant and Pittsburgh-area recruiter Terry Smith. He worked out with running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider at camp on Saturday. Spell attended the Blue-White Game back in April and was on campus for a spring practice in 2023. 

“They said I was great player and Kid and they wanted me to be apart of that program,” said Spell. 

He picked up his offer from the Nittany Lions back in May. This year he’s added offers from Florida State, Marshall, Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, West Virginia, Wisconsin and others. 

Spell ran for 579 yards and nine touchdowns as a freshman in 2023, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He also caught a pair of touchdown passes and is a member of the Trib’s Preseason Football All-Star Team in 2024. 

Second straight August with an early Penn State RB commit

At this time last year, the Nittany Lions got off and running with their first 2026 commitment. Harrisburg (Pa.) running back Messiah Mickens became the first pledge in the cycle almost a year ahead of his peers. Mickens remains a strong part of Penn State’s Class of 2026 efforts.

His thought process for an early, early decision fell in line with that of Spells.

“I already knew it was time,” Mickens said. “When I went and traveled across the country, I felt like everything was the same. They’re all great coaches. They’re all great facilities. Nothing really stood out to me. Penn State was always the school I really liked, and then when I started really narrowing it down, it was easy to see that was home. Having my family come see me play is important to me. It’s not far at all. So, I just thought that was the best option for me and my family.”

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