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Penn State Football: Takeaways from Jaxon Smolik’s commitment

By Alec Whitaker

Quarterback Jaxon Smolik of Dowling Catholicas makes a pass the Lions take on the Maroons in Des Moines, Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.1n5a3925 Jpg
Quarterback Jaxon Smolik of Dowling Catholicas makes a pass the Lions take on the Maroons in Des Moines, Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.1n5a3925 Jpg /
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Apr 23, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich talks with quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The defense defeated the offense 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich talks with quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The defense defeated the offense 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Yurcich strikes again

Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Yurcich has shown he can recruit the quarterback position in his short time at Penn State.

Last year, he went out and identified Drew Allar as a legit talent and worked to land his commitment as quick as possible. Allar ended up as the No. 1 quarterback in the 247 Sports rankings, proving Yurcich’s eye for talent and ability to recruit against other big-time programs like Notre Dame.

Yurcich had already one a big recruiting quarterback recruiting battle earlier this cycle in Marcus Stokes. Yurcich probably didn’t envision he’d have to do it again, but he had to.

Jaxon Smolik was the hottest name in quarterback recruiting after the Elite 11 Finals. Every Power 5 school that didn’t have a quarterback committed started to show interest in him.

Yurcich worked to get Smolik on campus and win him over rather quickly. Like with Allar, Yurcich prevented Smolik’s recruitment from really blowing up by sealing his commitment as soon as he could.

Another great job by the head of Penn State’s offense.

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