Penn State Football: Former three-star recruits who turned into Studs

There is an incorrect assumption in recruiting that 3-star recruits will have a tough time becoming contributing players in college, and Penn State Football has developed their share.

Since James Franklin’s arrival at Penn State in 2014, he has brought in numerous 3-star recruits. Often times, some in the fan base consider this a bad thing.

As you’ll come to see, 3-star recruits have been integral parts of Penn State Football’s success under Franklin.

Here are the ten best 3-stars of the Franklin era.

10. Blake Gillikin (Punter)

Not often would a punter show up on a list like this, but Gillikin’s value from 2016-19 cannot be understated.

Penn State Football struggled mightily with punting in Franklin’s first two years. Gillikin changed that by averaging 43 yards per punt in his four years as the starter. He had seven punts over 65 yards and four over 70 yards.

Penn State’s success over Gillikin’s four years in Happy Valley can be credited to Joe Moorhead, Saquon Barkley and others, but there’s no doubt the change in field position that Gillikin provided was a factor.

He is expected to be the starting punter for the New Orleans Saints in 2021.