Video Recap: Penn State adds undersized but talented center Michael Troutman
Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein has built a reputation for working ahead with his offensive line classes, and he’s at it again in 2025. Three-star interior offensive lineman Michael Troutman committed to the program on Sunday, making him the 11th player in this cycle. Recruiting insider Sean Fitz discusses Troutman’s commitment impact and the offense line class. Check out the video embedded in this article or on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel. It’s a great time to subscribe to our YouTube content, with breaking recruiting news, wrestling, and basketball all heating up.
Penn State picks up an outlier on the offensive line
Despite not getting true tackle-length prospects until recently, Penn State has rarely recruited small players under head coach James Franklin. Fitz points out that the 6-2 Troutman is the shortest player to commit in quite some time. However, height doesn’t equate to length so we discuss how Troutman fits into the big picture.
But that height does put some restrictions on positional versatility for the New Jersey offensive lineman. We discuss where Troutman fits at the next level. Finally, we give a preview of his overall skillset and what athletic traits he brings in a three-star profile.
Speaking of his profile, we discuss his long-term recruiting projections and whether he’s an underrated player who can move up the rankings or if he’ll stay where he is until signing day next February.
Offensive line class
Things are far from over on the offensive line for the Class of 2025 but there are now three players commmited who will play there at Penn State. High school tight end Brady O’Hara projects to tackle at 6-6 and 6-7 New England lineman Owen Alicine is the other player Troutman joins this cycle.
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How different it this approach compared to 2023 and 2024? Fitz talks about the group and then what other names are on the top of Penn State’s list to round out the offensive line for this year.
Troutman fist visited Penn State last summer and came away with a positive impression of the team and his future position coach.
“My biggest thing with Coach Traut is how realistic he is. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything and tells you things how they are. Something unique about him and what makes him such a great coach is that he not only teaches you about the game of football, but also different things about life as well. It’s been a great experience building a relationship with him,” Troutman told Ryan Snyder last July.
Check back with Blue White Illustrated for more recruiting content as the Class of 2025 unfolds.
