Penn State Football Recruiting 2013: Defensive Backs
By Editorial Staff
Welcome back once again. First off, the list for the Junior Day will be out Tuesday. We’ll (Tim and I) update as we get any new info. One of the largest JR-Days Penn State has had in sometime. For the last few years, Penn State has gone with smaller JR-Days. Why? Just a more personal atmosphere. This year is a little different with the scandal and a new coaching staff so obviously you want to get as many kids on campus as quickly as possible. The more they talk about Penn State, the better. Look for there to be another JR-Day in March. Probably won’t be quite as big, but I highly doubt this is the last one before the Blue and White Game.
Defensive Backs
-Reon Dawson (OH) – 6’2 175
Offers: Penn State, Kentucky, Virginia, and Indiana
Tall, athletic, and fast is good for any position, but especially CB. Dawson has those attributes, being 6’2 and having reportedly run a 4.42 at multiple camps this summer. He shows good cover skills, and is definitely a perfect fit for a man-to-man scheme. Something that Penn State hopes to employ at some point. The problem with Dawson is the finer points. He’ll need some technique work, as he isn’t the cleanest looking in that area. But overall, he’s a really athletic kid with some big time upside. Also, could make a hell of a FS. Not out of the question that he could end up there.
He’ll be at PSU for the JR-Day, and has solid interest in Penn State. His teammate is Cameron Burrows, a 5-Star CB that is committed to the Buckeyes. Don’t expect OSU to go after Dawson, which is good for Penn State. If OSU were to offer, they would probably jump to the front (as of right now, at least).
-Nadir Barnwell (NJ) – 6’0 180
Offers: Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame, Rutgers, South Carolina, UNC, and UConn
New Jersey is really strong in two specific areas this year: DE and CB. Barnwell is a big reson for that. Shows good size at CB. Looks pretty strong in his lower body already. Good hips. All in all, a good looking CB. Could actually be a WR as well, but the majority of programs like him at DB.
Visited for a Penn State game this year, and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Not sure when he’ll make his way back up to Penn State, but I would be surprised if Penn State doesn’t eventually offer.
-Kirk Garner (MD) – 5’10 180
Offer: Penn State, BC, Cincy, Florida State, Maryland, Purdue, Vandy, and NC ST
Although Garner doesn’t have the greatest size (heard he may be closer to 5’9) or speed, he’s a very solid CB for Good Counsel (which always has star-studded backfields). He’s a very smart player, has very good instincts, and has very good technique for a high school player. Although he isn’t all that fast, he is still pretty quick and has good recovery speed. Also changes direction pretty well.
Claims a Penn State offer, and certainly PSU will try to tap into that Good Counsel pipeline.
-Tre Bell (NJ) – 5’11 160
Offers: Michigan, South Carolina, WVU, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, UCF, and USF
Bell is a good looking prospect. He has a slight frame, and will deifnitely need to add weight but shows a lot of good things too. He’s definitely fast, but he’s actually more quick than anything else. First few steps look really good when closing in on a defender. Shows quick feet, good footwork. Another CB that understand the game, shows good instincts with the football IQ. Plays at St. Peter’s prep, which is an excellent high school program. Starting to blow up a bit with all the offers. Did well at the Army All-American Combine.
Kyle LaPorte (NJ) – 5’9 160
Offers: Penn State and Rutgers
Pretty small arond. Not very tall, and he’s also pretty thin. At the same time, 5’9 really isn’t all that short, and LaPorte is definitely a good player. Could play Slot WR or CB, but probably will end up at CB. Very quick and fluid with his movements, he looks like a CB. No matter where he plays, he’ll need to gain some weight to be more effective.
Plays for Piscataway along with Barnwellso that should help. Has visited Penn State for a game, but haven’t heard much about him since the new hiring.
-Delton Williams (PA) – 6’2 205
Offers: None
He’s a very intriguing prospect in my mind. Has excellent size and build already. Looks to have good speed as well. Only question is how good of an athlete is he? Can he play DB? Would like to see him on the camp scene and see how he does. May end up being a LB with his size already, and in that case, I don’t think we would go after him all that hard. But overall, he’s a really intriguing prospect with some potential upside.
Will be visiting with the Erie Prep gang, most notably Damion Terry.
-Kennedy Frazier (MD) – 6’2 180
Offers: None
Frazier is another interesting prospect. Has really good size at 6’2, very lanky and lean. Has a lot of room to fill out. Shows good burst and quickness, but lacks in the technique department. Like Dawson, will need to work on the finer points od being a DB. Could be a CB or a safety, just depends what the colleges like him as.
Goes to Calvert Hal, PSU’s nice little pipeline. Sounds like Penn State has legitimate interst in him. One to watch for.
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