Watch highlights of Penn State OL commit Alex Birchmeier from win over Lightridge
Two of Penn State’s offensive line prospects in the Class of 2023 faced each other this past weekend, as Alex Birchmeier and Broad Run defeated Anthony Donkoh and Lightridge, 25-21. The game came down to the final play, as Lightridge had the opportunity to win it with just five seconds left, but the would-be go-ahead touchdown was dropped in the end zone.
Donkoh’s progression has been well-documented in recent weeks, earning his fourth star from On3 at the end of September. Birchmeier came into the season ranked as the nation’s second-best interior lineman, with future teammate Jven Williams ranking No. 1 overall by On3. He now sits third, as former Penn State target Luke Montgomery jumped to No. 2 following the most recent update. Donkoh’s jump saw him climb into the top 25 nationally at the position to No. 22.
“It definitely was fun going against your future teammate,” Birchmeier said. “It’s always fun competing against each other. It gives us something to talk about. But everything went smoothly. No one got hurt and it was a good game. We enjoyed it.”
After Donkoh committed to Penn State last January, Birchmeier said that the two of them started training regularly together in the offseason.
Related: Anthony Donkoh progressing well ahead of early enrollment at Penn State
“During the offseason, we were getting together probably about twice a week,” Birchmeier said. “My offensive line coach works at a gym in our area and we would go work out there, do some offensive line training. It’s nice living close to each other. It’s given us an opportunity to work with each other a lot. I thought it was really good for us and we helped each other.”
In addition to the game last Friday, Birchmeier and his family also hosted Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein for an in-home visit the day before, Oct. 6.
“We talked a lot about recruiting and football, plus some home and family stuff, too,” Birchmeier said. “Just being able to hang out with him, talk about their season, how things are going. I thought it was fun. We enjoyed it.”
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It’s no secret that Birchmeier is one of the most polished offensive linemen in the country, regardless of class. He said that becoming more versatile is one area he’s been focused on the most.
“I would say that I’ve been working to learn all five positions,” he said. “I’ve been trying to get reps at tackle, reps at center. I’ve been practicing snapping. I just want to come in and be as versatile as I can be when I get to the next level.”
With three offensive linemen committed, there is still a possibility that Penn State adds a fourth. Junior college prospect Keyshawn Blackstock has emerged as the staff’s top target at offensive tackle, although Birchmeier said he continues to speak with another player who has since committed elsewhere.
“There are a couple of guys,” he said, when asked who he’s speaking with. “I’m still talking to Zech Owens, the Clemson commit. We went on a couple of visits together, so we stay in touch still quite a bit. I’d say he’s the guy I probably talk with the most at this point.
