Penn State Football Recruiting: Slow start to 2019 could pick up soon

The slow start to 2019 could pick up soon for Penn State football recruiting

Penn State head coach James Franklin has enjoyed tremendous recruiting success since taking over as head man of the Nittany Lions. He has been able to bring in some of the top high school talent and has put Penn State in the mix with some of the best teams in the nation.

The 2018 class that Franklin was able to bring in back in February ranked as the No. 5 team in the nation and the second-best class in the Big Ten. He has set a standard of excellence in recruiting that Penn State fans have quickly become accustomed to.

That’s why the slower-than-normal pace that 2019 recruiting is moving at for the Nittany Lions is unchartered territory in the Franklin era. With just three commitments so far for 2019, Penn State is ranked outside of the top 40 according to 247 Sports.

Not to worry though. Based on his history, Franklin will be able to turn things around sooner rather than later and bring in a top class for 2019.

Things on the recruiting front should start to pick up soon for the Nittany Lions. With summer approaching, the coaching staff will have ample time to focus on making visits and making contacts with the top targets.

Typically in recruiting, when a commitment or two come in, others start to follow.

Penn State has two big targets set to make announcements this week, and another set for early next week. If any of those targets choose to commit to the Nittany Lions, then the 2019 recruiting cycle could be jumpstarted.

Four-star defensive end Antonio Alfano, from Colonia, New Jersey, is set to announce his college choice on Friday, May 18. 247 Sports has him ranked as the top prospect from his state and the No. 58 prospect overall.

Alfano has a top-three of Alabama, Georgia and Penn State. The Nittany Lions appear to be long shots to win out, but there’s always a chance up until the official announcement.

Also announcing his decision on May 18 will be Devyn Ford of Fredericksburg, Virginia. The four-star running back is the No. 3 player at his position the No. 63 prospect overall.  Ford appears to be down to the Nittany Lions and Virginia Tech.

Ford’s announcement will be one to watch, as there’s an excellent chance the Nittany Lions land a top running back recruit for the third straight year.

Another top prospect from Virginia, Brandon Smith, will announce his choice on Monday, May 21. Smith, a five-star linebacker, is ranked as the No. 2 linebacker available and the No. 29 prospect overall.

Smith, a strong Penn State lean, will be deciding between the Nittany Lions and the Florida State Seminoles. If things go as expected, Smith should be making the call for Penn State on Monday.

Next: Penn State Football: John Reid a welcomed addition in 2018

While the slow start to 2019 recruiting could be a bit concerning, fans shouldn’t be too worried. Franklin has a clear history of excellent recruiting at Penn State. And, with the recent success his team has enjoyed on the field, there’s no reason to think that the top recruits will stop coming to Happy Valley.