Lions Look To Wrap-Up Recruiting Today

One of the top recruiting classes in Penn State's recent history is set to end the 2009 recruiting seasons by signing letters of intent today. Even if the Lions don't land any of their three remaining prospects, this should go down as one of the great Penn State classes. While there is some disagreement over how good this class will be (Scout ranking: #10 ; Rivals ranking: #25), there is no doubt that the 2009 class was successful in several key ways.

1. This class was one of the great examples of Penn State recruiting for "need." They needed depth and talent at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive backs. Penn State responded with a top-10 quarterback, at least 6 players that could play wide receiver in college, 7 offensive linemen (4 tackles, 2 guards, and a center), and 9 players who could play either cornerback or safety.
2. This class was also very opportunistic with several "under-the-radar" recruits from non-obvious areas of the country. Curtis Dukes (RB), John Urschel (OL/DL), just to name two, were prospects from upstate New York and who did not receive much attention from national recruiting services until Penn State (and others) became actively recruiting these players.
3. Finally, while there has been some internet criticism over Penn State's failure to land the top talent in Pennsylvania, the Lions branched out and grabbed some of the top prospects in Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, (and maybe Delaware). Moreover, it is often over-looked that the "top talent" in PA may be 1) overrated, 2) not a "need" position player, and/or 3) a lower priority than some prospects in other adjacent states.

No matter what happens today--whether Jenkins, Brown, and Noel pick Penn State--this class is/was a successful recruiting class and Penn State fans should be excited for the future. Not to mention, Penn State already has landed its two top recruits for the 2010 Class. The future is bright.