Ask Around: What should Penn State fans expect on the recruiting trail down the stretch?

Penn State head coach James Franklin and his staff have a busy three weeks ahead of them leading into the early signing period, which this year begins on Dec. 20. Of course, with so much going on in the month of December now, finalizing the Class of 2024 is far from the only thing that’ll have their focus.

Right now, much of Franklin’s focus is centered on finding an offensive coordinator. Add in any outgoing transfers over the next week, plus the portal officially opening next Monday, Dec. 4, and you can make the argument that these next three weeks are even busier than the week-to-week grind that is the regular season.

So, what should fans expect to see over the next 21 days? Ryan and Sean give their thoughts in our latest ‘Ask Around.’

Q: What should Penn State fans expect on the recruiting trail heading into the early signing period?

Ryan Snyder: The most important thing to stress is that Penn State’s staff would be very happy if the 2024 class looks the same on Dec. 20 as it does today. That’s not me hinting that I expect other schools to flip their players, but rather just reiterating the fact that they feel good about the class they’ve put together. Oftentimes, the work they put in down the stretch is centered around improving the overall balance at each position, but that’s not the case this year. With 12 offensive players and 13 defensive players, there isn’t one position that stands out as a glaring need.

Now, of course, talent acquisition and balance are two totally different things. If Penn State could add a top wide receiver prospect today, they’d absolutely do it. However, after checking in with sources Monday, there doesn’t appear to be much movement there. We know Penn State was working to get four-star WR Nick Marsh on campus for its game against Michigan, but he didn’t make the trip. From what we were told, most expect him to stick with the Spartans now that they’ve hired Jonathan Smith.

As of Monday evening, I was informed that no official visits have been set with any 2024 prospects. We do expect Dec. 8-10 to be Penn State’s key recruiting weekend, with many of the staff’s committed players returning to campus. I’d be surprised if a few transfer portal players didn’t pop up on campus that same weekend, but as of now, Penn State is kind of in a holding pattern when it comes to 2024 recruits.

Sean Fitz: Most of the focus right now, rightfully so, is on the Transfer Portal. The Nittany Lions are still trying to hang in there with some potential flips and they’re telling others to be patient as they figure out numbers. As I mentioned on the board on Monday, the Penn State staff is still trying to do what it can to get back junior college cornerback Sione Laulea. The odds don’t seem great, but that would go a long way in helping the prospects of the 2024 class.

Penn State missed out on offensive lineman Andrew Dennis earlier this week, as relationships won out for Illinois there. The Nittany Lions are still trying to chip away at Kevin Heywood, but that one doesn’t seem to want to budge. Wide receiver remains a point of focus, but with the numbers already at the position in the class, it would have to be a difference-maker. It doesn’t seem like many are out there floating around.

So, from a 2024 standpoint, it feels like we’re at a standstill. Coaching changes will undoubtedly keep the recruiting staff busy as they check on prospects who may be caught in the upheaval at places. On top of that, the new offensive coordinator may have some connections with some guys as well. But pretty much what you see is what you’ll get when the early signing period opens.

Snyder: As we’ve hit on a few times in recent weeks, the longer this season has progressed, the more the transfer portal has become a much bigger priority for the staff. I even tried to ask around about any potential 2025 visitors these next few weeks and was basically told that’s not even on the radar at the moment. To clarify, I also didn’t really expect there to be any junior visitors. Penn State didn’t host anyone in the 2024 class last December.

But even with the portal, that’s fairly quiet at the moment, too. Penn State set an official visit with former Michigan State offensive lineman Keyshawn Blackstock for Dec. 6-8, but he announced last week that he’s committed to Arkansas. With Sam Pittman returning next season, the Hogs are being aggressive with NIL. Penn State is still chipping away at Blackstock with hopes of still getting him on campus, but I’d be surprised if he makes the trip.

But so far, Blackstock is the only player we know Penn State has offered in the portal. That should change in the coming days.

Fitz: Penn State’s staff has done its prep for guys they hope enter the portal, so now it’s just about sitting back and waiting to see those names pop up. Obviously, wide receiver will be one that Nittany Lions fans watch closely. Notre Dame’s Chris Tyree went in on Monday and Purdue’s Deion Burks will be a target. It will be fascinating to watch this all play out, as the Nittany Lions will manage what they have on campus with who can help them on the field in 2024.

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