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Penn State adds key official visitor to this weekend's list

Mug-Shot 4x4by:Ryan Snyder•06/14/22•

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Cass Tech DE Jalen Thompson took an unofficial visit to Penn State for the Blue-White Game. (Credit: Greg Pickel/BWI)

Penn State is set to host its deepest list of official visitors so far this upcoming weekend, June 17-19. As of earlier this week, the Nittany Lion coaching staff was planning to host 17 prospects for official visits this weekend, eight of whom are currently uncommitted. Now, a ninth uncommitted player has been added to that group, as defensive end Jalen Thompson confirmed on Twitter Tuesday morning that he’ll be coming to Penn State Friday to start an official visit.

This news isn’t a surprise. Thompson had originally planned to come to State College June 24-26, but he told Blue White Illustrated last week that the visit may have to be moved up. It’s now clear why that is, as Thompson plans to squeeze in a visit to Michigan State that final weekend. The Spartans have been considered the team to beat with Thompson throughout most of the year. He’s been to East Lansing for seven visits going back to last year.

Penn State is now believed to be Michigan State’s top competitor following his visit for the Blue-White Game in April.

“They’re gonna be one of my top schools, most definitely,” Thompson said following his previous visit. “The program and the coaching staff, everything there is for real. I made a top 10 not too long ago and they’re definitely moving up in that list.”

Listed at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Thompson is the latest prospect from Cass Tech in Detroit to show interest in Penn State. He said previously that he has a good relationship with Kalen and Kobe King, who also attended Tech. Jamari Buddin and Jaylen Reed are also Detroit natives.

“All of them are my guys. I enjoyed going up there and watching Kalen, Kobe, Jamari and Jaylen,” Thompson said. “They’re all my guys. I stay in touch with them still. In high school, I played games with Kobe and Kalen, but Jaylen was a rival [at Martin Luther King]. I got to play against Jamari in high school as well. I know those guys well.”

In addition to Penn State and Michigan State, Thompson took official visits to Pitt and Cincinnati earlier this month.

A four-star prospect, he ranked No. 232 nationally in the On3 Consensus. Our staff at On3 ranks him slightly higher at No. 184 nationally.

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