Penn State Football commit of the week: Appreciation for the Offensive Linemen

The future of the Nittany Lions’ offensive line seems to be bright, thanks to Penn State Football’s efforts on the recruiting trail 

In this week’s edition of Penn State Football commit of the week, we’ll focus on the guys that don’t show up in the box score, but are vital to their team’s success, the offensive linemen.

While quarterback commits Drew Allar and Beau Pribula put up video game numbers every week, and running back commit Nick Singleton seems to break a new record every week and fellow running back Kaytron Allen grabs national attention on a weekly basis, these talented players will need a good offensive line in front of them in order to be successful at Penn State.

Between the 2022 and 2023 classes, Penn State has five offensive line commits. In 2022, there’s 4-star Drew Shelton, 3-stars Maleek McNeil and Andre Roye and JUCO 3-star J.B. Nelson. The 2023 class is headlined by 5-star offensive lineman Alex Birchmeier.

Shelton and Downingtown West are 4-4 on the season. Shelton is helping pave the way for a solid running attack, as Downingtown West averages 156 rush yards per game. Roye plays for one of the most talented teams in the country in St. Frances Academy. The team is currently 5-1, while playing a national schedule.

McNeil’s Walter Panas team is currently 0-6, but he is providing key leadership to a young team. Pete Ruf of News12WC was able to get this interview with McNeil before the season.

J.B. Nelson attends Penn State’s favorite JUCO pipeline in Lackawanna College. The Falcons are currently 3-2, but Nelson is apart of a high-powered offense that is averaging 38.4 points per game. Nelson is tasked with protecting quarterback Barry Brown, who is completing 62.6% of his passes for 1,392 yards and 18 touchdowns to just four interceptions.

As for the 2023 commit, Birchmeier, his Broad Run team is having a great season, currently sitting at 6-1. Broad Run has a fantastic rushing attack, averaging 196.1 yards per game, and Birchmeier is a big reason why.

Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein has to be pleased with the future of his offensive line room with the way these guys have been performing on Friday nights this season.