5 Thoughts on Penn State Football’s loaded 2022 recruiting class

3. An Emphasis on Speed 

While bringing in an explosive running back like Singleton is a good start, it was clear that Franklin and receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield had one thing in mind this cycle: speed.

Penn State Football brought in four true wide receivers in Kaden Saunders, Anthony Ivey, Omari Evans and Tyler Johnson. They also brought in Mehki Flowers and Cristian Driver, who could end up at receiver or defensive back.

What the first four mentioned all have in common is that they have ridiculous speed.

Saunders and Johnson have been clocked posting 40-yards dashes in the 4.40 range and Evans reportedly has even gone below that. Ivey does not have any verified times available, but from watching his film, speed is not an issue.

With the speed that Ohio State has, it is vital that Penn State keeps up and has difference-makers on both sides of the ball. Forcing teams to defend sideline to sideline and end zone to end zone is what every offense intends to and with the amount of speed, this receiver group has, that will likely be the case for these future Penn State offenses.

Guys like Johnson and Saunders could also be difference makers on special teams, where they will be a threat to take any punt or kick to the house. As we’ve seen with the last two national champions, LSU and Alabama, having insane talent at receiver matters and Franklin realizes that.