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Penn State Football Recruiting: National Signing Day 2019 preview

By Barry Leonard Jr.

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: (L-R) Grant Haley #15, Nick Scott #4, head coach James Franklin, Marcus Allen #2 and Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions walk out to field arm in arm before the start of the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: (L-R) Grant Haley #15, Nick Scott #4, head coach James Franklin, Marcus Allen #2 and Troy Apke #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions walk out to field arm in arm before the start of the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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National Signing Day 2019 is almost upon us

With the college football action on the field over for about a month the winter can get long for fans of the game. Fortunately, National Signing Day falls in February and gives fans something exciting to look forward to. Wednesday, February 6 is the official date for National Signing Day 2019.

This is the second year of having an early signing period in December, and just like last year, Penn State was able to lock down several signees during that time period. While that takes a bit of the excitement out of February’s event, there is still plenty to watch for.

Heading into National Signing Day, the Nittany Lions have 21 members in their class. There is still some room for a few more to be added before the 2019 class is finalized. Currently, Penn State ranks No. 10 in the nation in second in the Big Ten.

Of the 21 previous commitments, all but two are officially signed. 11 players, including top recruits Noah Cain, Brandon Smith, and Lance Dixon, signed and are already enrolled in school. Aside from those 11, eight other recruits officially signed in December and will be joining the program after finishing high school.

The two unsigned players are defensive end Smith Vilbert and Joseph Appiah Darkwa. Vilbert committed in January, while Darkwa just committed at the beginning of February. Both players are expected to sign Wednesday with no issues.

Franklin could still have some tricks up his sleeve come Wednesday, and there are still some interesting names to keep an eye on. Offensive lineman Doug Nester, from West Virginia, is committed to Ohio State, but isn’t necessarily going to sign with the Buckeyes. Penn State is still in the mix for Nexter, but Virginia Tech seems like the most likely landing spot for him.

Another prospect to watch on Wednesday is offensive tackle Dawand Jones. The Indianapolis native is uncommitted, and trending toward Ohio State, but also has the Nittany Lions in the mix. Defensive back Nick Cross, currently committed to Florida State, could also switch to Penn State.

The two remaining uncommitted targets to watch will be tight end Brett Either and wide receiver T.J. Jones.

Related Story. Penn State 2019 Signee Profile: Joey Porter Jr.. light

Don’t be surprised if the Nittany Lions land at least one remaining target on Wednesday. However, even if they don’t, they will still finish the 2019 recruiting cycle with one of the top classes in both the nation and the Big Ten Conference.

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