Penn State Football: 3 takeaways from Elliot Washington’s commitment

3. Keeping them in check

As mentioned, Elliot Washington was technically an Alabama commit, but this was a recruiting battle against Michigan State as well.

Washington did not officially visit Alabama, he only officially visited Penn State and Michigan State.

This is the Nittany Lions third recruiting victory over Michigan State in the past few weeks.

The other two being King Mack and Tomarrion Parker. Two big-time, 4-star prospects.

After the season Michigan State had, many thought they were slated for a boost on the recruiting trail. The Spartans went 11-2 with New Year’s Six Bowl victory, that’s a great season. One of the 11 wins was also against Penn State.

Mel Tucker has become one of the more likeable head coaches in the nation as well. The Spartans also seem to do really well on official visits, as they bring in expensive cars and real-life animals for recruits to take pictures with.

Ohio State is a powerhouse when it comes to recruiting, Penn State didn’t need another divisional foe being a force on the recruiting trail. The Spartans are still doing really well on the recruiting trail, but Penn State has held them in check when going head-to-head.