Penn State Football Recruiting Roundup: August 1, 2017

Welcome back to the weekly look at all things Penn State football recruiting here at Victory Bell Rings, the weekly recruiting roundup.

As July rolls into August fall camp is beginning for the Penn State football team. However, the world of recruiting also keeps spinning and remains a busy one. In fact, it could be a very busy week or two for Penn State Football recruiting.

A pair of the Nittany Lions top targets are set to commit in the next ten days. Additionally, the Nittany Lions hosted a big time class of 2019 visitor this past weekend and another target set their commitment plans.

Let’s begin this week’s recruiting roundup.

Juice Scruggs set to announce

In a move that came out of seemingly nowhere, four-star offensive lineman Juice Scruggs announced on Sunday night that he will announce his commitment this Friday. According to an interview with Bill Kurelic of 247 Sports, Scruggs will choose between Ohio State and Penn State on Friday.

Scruggs is originally an Ohio native who now resides in Erie. Scruggs has not visited any school since visiting Penn State back on April 22. For a lot of his recruitment he has appeared to be a Buckeye lean, however, that appears to be changing.

More from Victory Bell Rings

A recent run on crystal balls on 247 Sports has caused Scurggs’ prediction to go from being 100 percent Buckeyes to being 100 percent Nittany Lions. All signs now point toward Juice Scruggs becoming Penn State’s 21st commit in their 2018 recruiting class come Friday.

Stealing Scruggs away from the Buckeyes would be a phenomenal recruiting victory for James Franklin and company.

A top defensive target to announce soon

In addition to Juice Scruggs, another one of Penn State’s top targets is ready to announce his college decision. This player, however, is on the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive tackle Aeneas Hawkins is closing in on announcing his college decision. Hawkins told Blue White Illustrated that he will announce his college decision ‘on or around August 9. Hawkins will choose between the Nittany Lions and his hometown Cincinnati Bearcats.

Aeneas Hawkins is a four-star recruit that has been trending toward the Nittany Lions ever since visiting for the Lasch Bash last month. All signs point toward Hawkins choosing the Nittany Lions when he commits, which should come in the very near future.

Big time 2019 visitor on campus

This past weekend Penn State hosted a five-star offensive lineman for an unofficial visit. This offensive lineman was class of 2019 Belleville, Michigan, native Devontae Dobbs.

Had a great time at Penn State. #PSU #WEARE #UNRIVALED pic.twitter.com/vCK4w8IUa8
— Devontae Dobbs (@Devontae_Dobbs) July 31, 2017

This was the first visit to Happy Valley for Devontae Dobbs. While getting Dobbs out of the state of Michigan will be almost impossible, the Nittany Lions made a great impression. If nothing else, Penn State should get more visits from Dobbs and have a puncher’s chance.

Defensive end target sets commitment date

Four-star defensive end Jayson Oweh will announce his college decision at the Under Armor All-American Game in January.

My family and I have come to the decision that I'll be committing to a school at The Under Armour All-American Game.#IWILL @DemetricDWarren
— “OWEH” (@DafeOweh) July 28, 2017

When Oweh announces his decision, he will choose between Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Penn State. Ultimately, though, this appears to be a two horse race between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions.

After visiting all three of these schools in a ten-day stretch in July he appeared ready to make a decision. However, he will now utilize official visits before announcing his commitment. Odds are, whichever school Oweh chooses will know of his intentions before he officially announces in January.

Right now, the Buckeyes appear to be the team to beat for Oweh. However, after a great visit for the Lasch Bash last month the Nittany Lions definitely made up ground. With a good official visit this fall, Penn State could land the talented pass rusher.

Next: Player Profile: Chasz Wright

That will do it for this week. As always, stay tuned here at Victory Bell Rings for all of the latest news in the world of Penn State Football recruiting. Especially with potential good news on its way later this week.

Home/Football Recruiting