Isheem Young no longer in Penn State football’s recruiting class
By Marty Leap
Four-star safety, and Philadelphia native, Isheem Young is no longer in Penn State football’s 2018 recruiting class as a result of his legal troubles.
Four-star safety Isheem Young is no longer a member of Penn State football’s 2018 recruiting class. The Imhotep Charter star was arrested due to robbery, conspiracy, firearms offenses and other charges in a July robbery of a Wawa.
You can read more about the charges against Young and the robbery over at Philly.com here.
I am not going to dive very much into the legal issues ahead of Young. Hopefully, he is able to learn from his mistakes, grow as a young man, and be better moving forward. Young made a monumental mistake. I still wish him the best moving forward and hope he is able to become a better man as a result of his mistake.
Moving forward, how does this impact Penn State on the recruiting trail?
The Nittany Lions remained squeezed for space in their 2018 recruiting class. James Franklin and his staff are prepared to accept commitments from, and make room for, defensive linemen Micah Parsons, Jayson Oweh, and Tyreke Smith. After that, The Nittany Lions may now have an extra spot in their 2018 recruiting class.
Personally, I do not see Penn State pursuing a safety to replace Young but instead the best player available. Offensive tackle Rasheed Walker and wide receiver Solomon Enis would be two players to watch. Both are players that the Nittany Lions appear to lead for and could most likely land if they push for a commitment.
Safety/linebacker Kwantel Raines could be a name to keep an eye on as well. The Aliquippa native committed to West Virginia in October. Nevertheless, he has always been high on the Nittany Lions. Many people, myself included, believe he only committed to the Mountaineers, because he did not have a spot at Penn State.
If Franklin would like to replace Young with another DB, Raines is a name to watch. However, they need to act quickly. Raines is set to sign with the Mountaineers on December 20.
Luckily for the Nittany Lions, they are in a great spot for a safety-loaded class of 2019. These safeties include DeMarcco Hellams, Jeremiah Gray, Lewis Cine, and Tyler Rudolph. After losing Young, the Nittany Lions may look to take three of these safeties in a smaller 2019 recruiting class.
Next: Penn State announces coaching staff changes
Without Young, Penn State football’s recruiting class, the Nittany Lions’ 2018 recruiting class has 21 members. Penn State’s 2018 recruiting class remains the fourth best in the country according to 247 Sports.