Penn State May check list: Portal possibilities, recruiting visits, and more
May will be a busy month for the Penn State football program.
The Nittany Lions cannot conduct practices this month, of course. But, the hunt for prospects and potential new team members is ongoing as recruiting takes center stage over the 31 days in May.
Here is the program’s checklist for the month ahead.
Portal possibilities
The deadline for players to enter the NCAA transfer portal and still be eligible for next season has passed. So far, Penn State has only lost defensive tackle Cole Brevard to it. Schools have two days to put a player’s name into the portal once he requests to go do so. So, technically, Tuesday is the last day someone could go in if they asked to do so Sunday but haven’t been placed into it yet. Of course, it’s not out of the question that more entries could come with hopes of receiving a waiver to be immediately eligible. However, that feels unlikely at this point in time. In others words, Penn State’s roster should be set as currently constructed barring any surprises.
All told, Penn State right now sits at 85 scholarship players. So, it would need someone to leave to make another addition.
Many college football talents are looking for new homes, however, and the numbers always work themselves out in the end. In other words, stay tuned to see if any players from elsewhere visit, because the Lions certainly have needs they would like to fill. And, it’s worth noting that graduate transfers aren’t bound by the aforementioned deadline. So, that could cause some changes, as well, in the days ahead.
Penn State coaches on the road
The NCAA recruiting evaluation period is ongoing. That means Penn State coaches will be on the road throughout the rest of the month.
Assistants are allowed to stop at a school twice between now and the end of May. One visit is to be focused on academics and other off-field matters. The other is simply to evaluate a prospect’s athletic potential.
Penn State coaches started traveling last week once spring practice concluded with the Blue-White game. They will continue to do so. Most of their trips will take them to see underclassmen. However, they’ll be checking in with commits, as well, plus late-rising Class of 2023 prospects.
Finally, recruits will be traveling, too. Penn State will host prospects over the course of the next 28 days before June leads to a ramp-up in official visit traffic in State College.
Finish the school year strong
Finals are underway at Penn State. The spring semester ends with those later this week before the commencement on Saturday. So, while the coaches are out traveling, the players will be focused on finishing up the school year strong before some time off ahead of summer workouts.
