Penn State Football: Three takeaways from Kaveion Keys commitment

Oct 22, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with running back Nicholas Singleton (10) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz of the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. If at first you don’t succeed…

Penn State Football could have given up when Keys picked North Carolina over the Nittany Lions in the summer, they did not.

Instead, Penn State’s staff went to work, leading the team to a 10-win season and a Rose Bowl berth. The staff also continued to add to the 2023 recruiting class.

Between a strong season and a loaded recruiting class, Penn State made itself an attractive destination for any recruit having second thoughts about their commitment.

The Nittany Lions also had to stay in contact with Keys, and Mason Robinson who flipped from Northwestern, throughout the season. College football coaches don’t have a lot of free time during the season. They have to prepare for that week’s game, stay in touch with recruits already committed, recruit players that are uncommitted and look after the current team.

There isn’t a lot of time to spend on recruits committed to other schools.

Penn State’s staff made it work though, and they came away with two big flips in Keys and Mason. They could be in line for a third if they can seal the deal with Daniel Harris.

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