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Penn State Football: 3 takeaways from the Deion Barnes hire

By Alec Whitaker

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Deion Barnes (18) during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Deion Barnes (18) during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State head coach James Franklin takes a group photo with PSU recruits before the 2022 Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 042322 Bluewhite
Penn State head coach James Franklin takes a group photo with PSU recruits before the 2022 Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 042322 Bluewhite /

1. Recruiting will improve

Penn State Football has recruited at an incredibly high clip recently, but defensive line recruiting has lacked a bit. The defensive tackle position specifically could use a boost in recruiting.

The hope is that the 30-year-old Barnes is more relatable to recruits and will be a bigger draw for them than Scott was. Considering Barnes was working as a high school coach in Philadelphia before coming back to Penn State, he is clearly familiar with the current recruiting dynamics.

The fact Barnes has roots in Philadelphia can also not be overlooked.

Penn State has made an asserted effort to recruit the Philadelphia area better, specifically powerhouse schools like St. Joe’s Prep and Roman Catholic. Now that Barnes can go out to these schools and recruit for the Nittany Lions, it’s reasonable to think there will be more success in Philly.

A young, energetic coach who was just in the NFL a few years ago will be a great asset on the recruiting trail.

While questions will be there about Barnes’ ability to coach up the players, questions about his recruiting capabilities should be few and far between.

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