Although the Nittany Lion players kick off team practices for the bowl game this afternoon, the coaching staff will busy both preparing for the bowl and preparing for the future as they host a handful of recruits this weekend.
Among the visitors expected this weekend are some players who have already committed to the program. As one observer explained, "Having some guys up who are already committed and know the team and staff well will be key in introducing the undecided prospects to the university and program. These guys are all in the same boat making a major decision, so it helps to have someone who has the comfort level and has already said they want to be a Nittany Lion."
The current members of Penn State's Class of 2005 who will be visiting this weekend include:
Brett Brackett: The 6-foot-6, 235 pound, 4.71 second forty quarterback was the Class of 2006's first verbal back on May 11. Although he has visited Penn State several times this season Brackett has "taken on an active role recruiting prospects." As one observer shared, "Brackett has some great leadership skills and is an engaging guy."
Aaron Maybin: Penn State's most recent Class of 2006 member, Maybin made his PSU pledge on October 14. The 6-foot-3, 220 pound 4.67 second forty defensive end has also been up to Penn State a variety of times. According to an observer, "He's a Maryland guy, so it will be great to have him up here."
That comment was referring to the fact that Penn State plans on having two other Maryland prospects on campus this weekend. Among the undecided prospects visiting University Park this weekend are:
A.J. Wallace: The 6-foot-1, 195 pound, 4.4 second forty cornerback/running back is a Scout four-star prospect from Maurice J McDonough High School in Pomfret, Md. Wallace is a versatile player who is being pursued by a variety of programs, including Ohio State, Florida, Florida State, Miami and Nebraska.
J.B. Walton: Another Maryland prospect, Walton is a 6-foot-3, 270 pound, 5.2 second forty offensive lineman from Lackey High School in Indian Head, Md. Walton also has an impressive list of suitor schools, including Nebraska, LSU, Oklahoma and Florida.
Johnnie Troutman: The 6-foot-4, 270 pound, 4.9 second forty defensive lineman is from Pemberton Township High School in Pemberton, N.J. Troutman is another prospect with several schools after him, including Ohio State, Boston College, Maryland and Virginia.
Although this list is not comprehensive, FightOnState.com will provide details of any changes or additions to the visit list as they become available.
See the entire Class of 2006.
-30-