What is Penn State getting in receiver Lavar Keys?: Commitment impact

Penn State earned its first commitment of August and sixth overall in the Class of 2026 on Friday when Hyattsville, Md., DeMatha Catholic receiver Lavar Keys picked the program. He did so just days removed from a visit to campus for the Lasch Bash. He is the fourth player to pick the program after attending its marquee recruiting event of the summer. In this commitment impact breakdown, get to know Keys and also take a closer look at the Lions’ class so far in the next cycle.

1. How it started

Keys has shown interest in Penn State since the beginning of his recruitment. The junior took his first unofficial visit to see the Lions beat Maryland 30-0 back in November of 2022. And, as stated in an interview with BWI before his commitment, an offer from the Nittany Lions was something he long coveted.

2. Who else was involved?

A total of eight different programs hosted Keys for an unofficial visit before his recruitment wrapped up on Thursday. The Terrapins and Nittany Lions both hosted him a recruitment-leading three times. Virginia Tech, East Carolina, South Carolina, NC State, and Rutgers all hosted him in 2024, as well. But, each of those programs only had one opportunity to impress the receiver.

3. Path to a decision

There was no indication that Keys was ready to wrap up his recruitment when he arrived in State College last weekend to both attend the Lasch Bash and participate in the White Out camp. That changed in a hurry, however. Penn State, after confirming his size and speed, offered Saturday night following a strong workout in front of the coaching staff. Keys told BWI that PSU was his “dream school” and that was the first hint that this recruitment might end sooner rather than later. It, in fact, did, as the junior made up his mind just five days later.

4. What is Penn State getting in Keys?

Keys stands 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. He will bring impressive speed to the Nittany Lions’ receivers room. At the Baltimore Under Armour camp back in May, he ran a 4.5-second 40 and clocked a 4.3-second shuttle. He figures to only get faster with time, and that should excite Penn State fans. At South Carolina’s camp in June, he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. He is currently rated as a three-star by On3, which is the only recruiting service to assign him a ranking to date. Expect that to change soon, though.

“[Keys] is a steady and very reliable wide receiver who can catch everything within his frame and run a legit 4.4,” Tom Lemming of The Lemming Report writes. “All conference. Very aggressive with strong hands, quick feet and is an excellent route runner.⁦”

5. What has he said about the Nittany Lions?

Keys raved about every aspect of his most recent Penn State visit. But, his chat with head coach James Franklin especially stood out.

“That was amazing getting to sit down and have a conversation with him,” Keys said. “He was telling me what I’m good at and what I have to work on to by next year, which was amazing. He mainly said, ‘You’re very fast’ and that ‘you remind me of KJ Hamler.’ Being told that was amazing.

“What I really loved about Coach Franklin is how real he keeps stuff real with his players. I’m looking forward to keep building that relationship with coach.”

6. Penn State Class of 2024 commitment timeline

Aug. 2, 2024 — Three-star Maryland receiver Lavar Keys

July 31, 2024 — Four-star West Virginia edge Daniel Jennings

July 27, 2024 — Four-star Harrisburg lineman Kevin Brown

Jul. 27, 2024 — Three-star Delaware receiver Jahsiear Rogers

June 25, 2024 — Four-star California quarterback Troy Huhn

Aug. 19, 2023 — Four-star Pennsylvania running back Messiah Mickens

7. How the class breaks down by position

Wide receiver — 2

Quarterback — 1

Offensive tackle — 1

Edge — 1

Running back — 1

8. How the Penn State Class of 2026 breaks down by state

Pennsylvania — 2

Delaware — 1

California — 1

Maryland — 1

West Virginia — 1