Penn State football’s positions of Need in 2022 Recruiting Class

Defensive End

Defensive end is by far the most crucial position for Penn State to recruit in the 2022 class.

Shane Simmons and Shaka Toney run out of eligibility after this season, and it’s more likely than not that Jayson Oweh goes pro after the season.

Adisa Isaac will be the star in 2021, but if he has a strong season, he could head to the pros.

That leaves Smith Vilbert, Bryce Mostella, Amir Vanover, Nick Tarburton, Coziah Izzard and 2021 commit Rodney McGraw as the only scholarship defensive ends on the roster for 2022. Zuriah Fisher is currently playing at linebacker, but he could grow into a defensive end. They are also trying to add another one to the 2021 class.

Regardless, Penn State needs to crush it on the recruiting trail with defensive ends.

Thankfully, the region is stacked and first year coach John Scott Jr., along with grad assistant Deion Branes, are working hard. There’s a big fish in Philadelphia in 5-star Enai White, who is a featured prospect in this piece. He would obviously be a big pull, but there’s plenty of talented players outside of White that have their eyes on Happy Valley.

There’s a bit of desperation here, as Penn State needs to load up on depth, but it looks like they’re bound for success. Expect them to take three defensive ends in 2022.

Outside of White, names to know include the highly rated Dani Dennis-Sutton, along with Popeye Williams, Aiden Gobaira, Joe Strickland, Anthony Smith and Keon Wylie.