
With the final “dead period” of 2018 set to begin at midnight Monday morning, coaches and recruits alike are set to head into the final recruiting weekend of the year. As soon as the clock strikes 12, all in-person contact between players and coaches is off limits until Jan. 11. Written and electronic communications are still permitted, but the craziness of the contact period comes to an abrupt end.
With that in mind, James Franklin and his staff are spending their final few days traversing the country.
JOHN DUNMORE visit
Franklin, along with Ja’Juan Seider and David Corley were in South Florida on Wednesday evening to visit with the four-star receiver and his family. Rumors of a visit to nearby Miami have persisted, but based on the 247Sports Crystal Ball (mine included), the Nittany Lions remain in solid position.
#WeAre19 pic.twitter.com/ON0WtSfG87
— Todd Johnson (@Toddcj2007) December 12, 2018
#WeAre FAMILY pic.twitter.com/EV6ofQfaFK
— Todd Johnson (@Toddcj2007) December 13, 2018
NOAH CAIN SETS A DATE
Penn State has not been shy about wanting a second running back in the 2019 class, and the four-star prospect out of IMG Academy has been a top target throughout. Cain will announce his decision on Dec. 19, and the Lions should feel good about their chances based on the latest swing in the Crystal Ball forecasts.
7 days…, Tune into @espn at 10:30 A.M. CT. on December 19th. College Decision will be made! #7era pic.twitter.com/w7B4tEh7cH
— Noah Cain (@therealnoahcain) December 13, 2018
big visitor from 2020
We at Roar Lions Roar have not been shy in expressing our love for five-star 2020 wide receiver Julian Fleming. The Catawissa, PA native has been a site favorite since he blew up at last summer’s 7-on-7 camp. He has also been a regular around Happy Valley this fall, taking in the season’s first three home games. He will return to campus this weekend to check in on a bowl practice and catch up with the coaching staff.
NEW OFFERS
While immediate attention is rightfully on wrapping up the 2019 class strong, focus is turning more and more to 2020, and even 2021 with several new offers going out.
Blessed to say that I’ve received my 19th D1 football offer from Penn State! #WeAre #HopeBoyz pic.twitter.com/S5tQg3cFKx
— Mike Drennen II (@UhhMyNameDonut) December 12, 2018
Mike Drennen (Dublin, OH) is a four-star back in the 2020 class, and no stranger to Happy Valley having camped for the staff back in June. Drennen hails from the same hometown as current Nittany Lion offensive tackle Alex Gellerstedt, and plays at the same school that has produced the likes of Brady Quinn, Mike Adams, and Chinedum Ndukwe.
Drennen’s teammate, five-star 2021 safety prospect A.J. Kirk was also offered on Wednesday according to his 247Sports profile. Kirk is the younger brother of former Ohio State star safety Mike Doss.
So blessed to announce that I have received an offer from Penn State University #WeAre pic.twitter.com/R1xANrTIWd
— gozogo (@LorenzoStyles3) December 12, 2018
Sticking in Central Ohio, Pickerington Central receiver Lorenzo Styles, a 2021 prospect, also got his Penn State offer on Wednesday afternoon. The Buckeyes and Notre Dame are two of the early favorites here.
Blessed to Receive an offer from Penn State University #GoNittanyLions pic.twitter.com/lOFaj7ufd8
— Dawand Jones (@dawand_jones) December 12, 2018
There may not be a hotter 2019 prospect in the nation than massive three-star offensive lineman Dawand Jones (Indianapolis, IN). Since Nov. 7 he has been offered by USC, Florida State, TCU, Michigan, Ohio State, Louisville, Oregon, Auburn, and now Penn State. Keep an eye on the big guy from the Hoosier State.
LINK$
More than 50 PSU targets make the updated Rivals250 for 2020 [FREE-Snyder/BWI]
Three new Class of 2019 Forecasts [Snyder/BWI]
Countdown to Signing Day: Latest PSU Recruiting Updates [FREE-Donohue/Lions247]
