Remembering Penn State’s Top Recruits Over the Last 10 Years

2014- WR Saeed Blacknall

Four-star wide receiver Saeed Blacknall was originally committed to Rutgers, but flipped to Penn State after James Franklin took over as head coach in Happy Valley. Blacknall became Penn State’s top recruit for the 2014 cycle. He was ranked as the No. 21 wide receiver and at No. 137 in the National Composite.

Blacknall came in and earned a roster spot for the Nittany Lions right away. Standing at six-foot-three, 210 pounds, he had a size advantage over many defensive backs.

Although he hasn’t put up huge numbers through his first three years at Penn State, Blacknall developed into an important piece of the passing attack during the 2016 season. He caught a career-high 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Blacknall turned into a deep threat in offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead’s offense, averaging a spectacular 23 yards per reception.

Blacknall finished the 2016 season in a big way, making six receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns in the Big Ten Championship. Unfortunately, he was suspended for the Rose Bowl game.

He still has one more year in his collegiate career, and while the numbers don’t jump off the page, Saeed Blacknall has been a serviceable receiver for the Nittany Lions.