• QB Michael O’Connor – Even before Steven Bench announced he was transferring, O’Connor had a PSU offer, and had been told he was the only guy PSU was targeting at QB . The 4 star player on 247 is one of the top pro style signal callers in the nation, and has not been shy about saying PSU is getting serious consideration.  His other favorites are Michigan State and Vanderbilt, but with the Spartans already getting a verbal commitment at QB, this may be a Big 10-SEC battle.
• OL/DL Noah Beh – Noah plays on both lines, and while he’s rated by most services as a defensive end, it is thought PSU views his as an offensive lineman.  Just last week Noah narrowed his list to two favorites, the Lions and Boston College.  While there is no set time table, he did say earlier this year that PSU was not pressuring him for a commitment, but that they did only plan to take one player on the offensive line, and couldn’t promise him anything if someone else committed first.
• DB/LB Jared Wangler – Of all the players on this list, Jared could be the most likely to commit soon.  The Warren, Michigan native has said PSU is his leader, and that he does not intend to drag things on into the summer.  Other than the Lions, Cincinnati is his only other BCS conference offer, but the home state Spartans have started to sniff around.  If I were a betting man (and I am, it’s just an expression), I’d be pretty confident Jared is a Nittany Lion.
• DB Dravon Henry – The Aliquippa native has been one of the hotter names, it seems, picking up 8 offers in just the last 2 or 3 weeks.  PSU remains towards the top of his list, along with Ohio State, Pitt, and West Virginia.  Dravon is one of the best athletes in Pennsylvania (#1 in the 247 composite rankings), and would be a huge commit for O’Brien.  Expect this one to drag on a little longer though.
• DT Thomas Holley – This is another one that will not be settled soon, but Thomas is probably one of the biggest fish left on PSU’s list.  He has visited Happy Valley twice this spring, including last month’s Blue-White Game, and it would seem that the Lions will be a factor throughout.

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While Noah is listed as a defensive lineman by the major scouting services, and not yet ranked by 247, PSU and Mac McWhorter  are definitely pursuing him as an offensive lineman.  A 6’7″ body would seem to indicate that would be a prudent move.  A quick look at his sophomore year highlights (which focus on his defenisve prowess) shows his overall athleticism, which would seem to translate well to either side of the line.

The Penn State staff will be very picky this year with the offensive line, as the overall depth appears to be in good shape, at least when the NCAA sanctioned 65 scholarship limit takes effect.  Beh is one of just a few prospects offered at this point, and conventional wisdom would seem to indicate that once the first or possibly second player commit, that will be it for this class.  That’s definitely something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

Another note to keep in mind as we look at the overall rankings for offensive line prospects in particular, the top 3 tackle prospects in this year’s NFL Draft had 4 stars, 2 stars and 0 stars out of high school.  More than any other position on the field, evaluating the potential of a high school lineman is extremely difficult.  Your average elite high school lineman is just flat out bigger and stronger than his opposition.  By the time they reach college, they are going up against players on the other side just as big and talented as they are, bringing work ethic and other intangibles into play.

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• WR Troy Apke (Pittsburgh, PA) – We listed Troy yesterday, along with some speculation that PSU might hold off on offering until highly regarded Thaddeus Snodgass and Chris Goodwin made decisions.  So much for that.  The son of former Pitt LB Steve Apke already had an offer from his dad’s alma mater, setting up what could be an interesting recruiting battle between the rivals.  Troy is not yet ranked on 247, but his good size (6’1″) and impressive speed (4.47 40) make him a very intriguing prospect.  Check out Troy’s highlight video.
• DT Thomas Holley (Brooklyn, NY) – PSU didn’t take a true defensive tackle in the 2013 class, although one or two players could ultimately end up there.  There is pretty good depth at the position, but I would expect PSU to take one tackle in this class, if they find the right fit.  Thomas would be a pretty good one.  247 gives him 4 stars, and he reports offers from Florida, Florida State, Miami, Rutgers and Syracuse.
• CB Anthony Davis (Monroeville, PA) – Despite taking 4 defensive backs in the 2013 class, it remains an area of questionable depth, and adding another couple players in the 2014 class would be great for the long term stability of the secondary.  Anthony has 4 stars on 247, along with offers from West Virginia, Missouri, Texas Tech and Maryland.  Here are Anthony’s highlights.
• OL/DL Noah Beh (Scranton, PA) – Noah is listed as a defensive end on 247, but numerous reports say that Penn State offered him as an offensive lineman.  His 6’7″ height would make you think that might be a good move.  He’s not yet ranked, but holds a number of offers, including Boston College, Maryland, and Pitt.  Here’s are some highlights form Noah’s sophomore year.

All indications are it was a great day for PSU recruiting.  We will keep you updated as additional offers, and possibly a commitment are confirmed.

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