Breaking: Versatile 4-star LB Neeo Avery Commits to Penn State Football

Penn State football continued its hot streak on the recruiting trail with the addition of 4-star edge/tight end Neeo Avery on New Year’s Eve.

The 2023 recruit is listed at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds and has the size and athleticism to end up on either side of the ball. Like in the 2022 cycle, Penn State’s emphasis on versatility continues in 2023 with Avery.

Considering Penn State already has two tight ends committed in the 2023 class in Joey Schlaffer and Mathias Barnwell, the latter may become an offensive lineman, it is more likely that Avery will play on defense at Penn State. Add in that the Nittany Lions are still targeting Andrew Rappleyea and Nyckoles Harbor, who both could play tight end, the smart bet would be Avery ending up at defensive edge. His talent certainly plays at the tight end position though, so depending on how things shake out before signing day next year, nothing is set in stone.

Avery, a Maryland native, who attends Our Lady Good Counsel, is listed as the No. 3 player in the state of Maryland and the No. 209 player overall in the 247 Sports Composite rankings. He holds offers from the likes of Georgia, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Maryland.

Penn State’s 2023 class now holds six commits and moves up to third in the national rankings with the addition of Avery. This comes on the heels of Penn State signing the No. 6 recruiting class in the nation in 2022.

The goal of stacking back-to-back top ten recruiting classes seems to be in sight for James Franklin, as numerous top targets still remain on the board in 2023. This would be a huge step in the right direction in terms of keeping pace with Ohio State and now Michigan, who is set to face Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinal this evening.

The addition of Avery is a nice start to the New Year for the Nittany Lions, who face Arkansas on New Year’s Day in the Outback Bowl in Tampa Bay.