New Recruiting Prediction Machine entry for Penn State
Penn State may have its quarterback of the future in Florida native Marcus Stokes, but the Nittany Lions are yet to earn a commitment at wide receiver or running back in the 2023 class. When exactly that’ll change remains unclear, but what is becoming clear is that Penn State has pulled into the pole position with one of its top receivers: New Jersey native Ejani Shakir.
Because of that, I logged a pick for the Nittany Lions in On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine Tuesday afternoon. My level of confidence is 75 percent.
Listed at 6-foot, 175 pounds, Shakir earned an offer from the Nittany Lions over two years ago in April 2020. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he wasn’t able to take a true visit until about a year ago in June 2021. Now, he’s up to five total unofficial visits to Penn State, with an official now scheduled for June. His most recent visit was on April 20.
At the very least, it’s always felt as if the Nittany Lions would be among his top three. Boston College and West Virginia were the only other documented visits he took in 2021. Those two schools, along with Penn State, made his top eight in December. The other five programs were Maryland, N.C. State, Ole Miss, Virginia and Virginia Tech.
Related: Penn State sets official visit with rising Florida defensive back
Shakir hasn’t been one to open up to the media much, but he did speak with Blue White Illustrated about his relationship with the staff in December.
“I’d say that they’re very welcoming. Ever since they offered, they’ve welcomed me with open arms,” Shakir said. “They’ve been showing a whole bunch of love and all that. They have a lot of interest in me. I think a new coach hits me up every single week.”
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During the season, Shakir also attended two Penn State home games against Auburn and Indiana.
“Id say the crowd there, that stands out the most to me,” Shakir said. “The stadium there is so big and their crowd is real passionate. [Penn State vs. Auburn] was one of the first college games I’ve ever been to. To see that, for my first time at a college game, it was crazy.
“I’ve since seen it multiple times. It’s definitely been a good experience. But also, their facilities are great, too. I came up in the summer for camp and have seen their building a couple times. Everything up there has been real nice.”
Shakir played at Pennsauken High School in South Jersey this past season. He has since transferred to nearby Winslow Twp. to finish out his high school career. Shakir will now be coached by former Penn State running back Bill Belton, who’s the offensive coordinator at Winslow. Former quarterback Christian Hackenberg also coaches quarterbacks at his new school.
Fans can learn more about On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine here.
