It’s been 9 years since James Franklin was hired, and he’s yet to beat both Michigan and Ohio St in the same year. In fact, the Nittany Lions have only won one out of their last 10 and four out of the last 20 in their meetings with Ohio State. While they’ve been more competitive against Michigan, it seems like Jim Harbaugh has finally gotten the Wolverines to the status of yearly national title contenders, leaving Penn State as 3rd fiddle in conference. After watching both teams match up in the conference championship in consecutive years, the Nittany Lions will need to hit the recruiting cycle hard in this class to gain some ground.
Here are five key recruits I think Penn State needs to land to catch up to the Buckeyes and the Wolverines.
1. Kevin Heywood
Offensive Tackle
Royersford, PA (Pope John Paul ll)
Both Michigan and Ohio State produce standout pass rushers on a yearly basis, so protection off the edge is key when it comes to matching up against them. At 6’7″ and 280 lbs., Kevin Heywood moves really well for his size. He’s able to negate those speedy rushers off the edge with his athleticism while still keeping a strong base vs. a bull rush. However, I think Heywood is his best when he’s run blocking. He does a really good job of moving bodies and making space for the run game.
— Kevin Heywood (@KevHeywood52) September 14, 2022
2. Keylen Adams
Wide Receiver
Virginia Beach, VA (Green Run)
Keylen Adams has playmaker written all over him. He’s pretty much a threat to score every time he touches the ball as he possesses incredible YAC ability. He has quick feet and good body control which allows him to run routes fluidly to get open. He also has the speed to take the top off the defense, making him dangerous in the short and long passing game. The Nittany Lions is going to need big-time players against the big-time teams, and Adams would be a great player to fill that role.
blessed to see another year?? pic.twitter.com/smZiyhxlO0
— Keylen “Brodie” Adams (@brodie3x) November 11, 2022
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3. Ernest Wilor
Defensive Line
Brooklandville, MD (St. Paul’s)
Someone the size of Ernest Wilor shouldn’t be able to move that way he does. Wilor has a first step that’s as good as anyone’s, allowing him to blow by defenders at the snap of the ball. His quickness in setting the edge makes it incredibly difficult to run screens and outside runs against him. He has the ability to line up both inside and out, making him a very versatile weapon on the defensive line.
https://twitter.com/ernestwillorjr/status/1606380637119778830
4. Quinton Martin
Athlete
Belle Vernon, PA (Belle Vernon)
One of the best recruits in the county already resides in the state of Pennsylvania. A do-it-all type of player, Martin is dynamic in all 3 phases of the game, providing value on offense, defense, and special teams. He is especially dangerous in space, which is very evident watching him in the return game. He can also line up at receiver, making him dangerous on the outside as well. Defensively, he has a high IQ for where the ball is going and plays an aggressive and physical brand of football.
Check out my highlight – https://t.co/FOtwGzhP0C Junior Year End Of The Season Highlights ??
— Quinton Martin (@Quintonanthony_) December 12, 2022
5. Michael Van Buren
Quarterback
Baltimore, MD (St. Frances Academy)
The Sean Clifford era has come to an end in Happy Valley, which means it is officially time for Drew Allar to take over the reins. After Allar, however, the Nittany Lions are pretty thin at QB. To have Michael Van Buren sitting and learning under Allar, the Nittany Lions would be set at quarterback for years to come. Don’t let size fool you when it comes to Van Buren, as he can absolutely rip the ball down the field. He has good touch and accuracy with the football while possessing the athletic ability to break the pocket and keep plays alive.
