Penn State football's inspiring ending to the 2014 college football season has fans and recruits alike buzzing, with the team's 31-30 Pinstripe Bowl victory over the Boston College Eagles standing as an emotional moment for a program back on the rise.
Now with the team's focus on the recruiting trail, it's time to continue building on what head coach James Franklin and his staff has accomplished so far. Who's got their eyes on Happy Valley? We'll tackle all this and more in our Penn State Football Recruiting Roundup for Sunday 1/4.
Petrishen Has Penn State In His Final Three
Three-star Pittsburgh (PA) Central Catholic safety John Petrishen has narrowed his list of destinations down to three schools, including Penn State.
“I’m still focused on three programs,” said Petrishen, via Jamie Oakes of 247Sports. “Pittsburgh, Virginia, and Penn State are the three."
The six-foot-two, 197-pounder is scheduled to officially visit Pitt on January 16th, before heading to Penn State on the 23rd and Virginia on the 30th.
247Sports' Crystal Ball has Virginia as the favorites to land Petrishen at 50%, with Penn State coming in second at 33%. However, the Nittany Lions' simple message to Petrishen seems has made its mark in the coveted young player's mind.
“Penn State wants me to be a big part of their future," he said.
Walls Eyes Penn State After Receiving Temple Offer
Philadelphia (Pa.) Saint Joe's Prep 2016 safety Benny Walls received an offer from Temple last week, and he's looking to add another one from the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Walls plans to visit Penn State again sometime in the near future.
"It's nice over there," Walls said, via Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. "I like how everything looks. The facilities are nice."
Walls does not have a registered star rating as of yet, the first-time all state selections (as a junior) has also garnered interest from Rutgers and Pittsburgh - both of which he will visit soon.
Penn State in the cards for UVA commit Cole Blackman?
Three-star 2016 Glen Allen (Va.) wide receiver Cole Blackman made an early commitment to the Virginia Cavaliers, but he's still planning to visit NC State, North Carolina, and possibly Penn State in the springtime.
Blackman told 247Sports that he considers himself a "solid" commit to Virgina, citing a close relationship with Virginia wide receivers coach Marques Hagans.
"I know I'm going to take visits but I love Virginia," Blackman said. "I have a real close relationship with the staff and Coach Hagans. Coach London is great too and recruits me a lot too."
Regardless, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions could still have a shot at Blackman with a full school year (and plenty of time to think and be impressed) ahead of him.
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