4-star QB target sees Penn State as a program and culture he can grow in

Penn State football successfully put itself on four-star quarterback Will Mencl's radar following a multi-day spring practice visit.

Top linebacker target for Penn State is leaning closer to the Nittany Lions

Steve Wiltfong of On3 discussed the lasting impression the Nittany Lions left on the quarterback, emphasizing that the blue and white cannot be ruled out of this battle.

"They gave [Mencl] a lot to think about," Wiltfong said when asked if the Nittany Lions were a legitimate option for the young quarterback. "I talked to his mother, Amy, first, then talked to [Mencl]; and his mom said it was a lovely visit, said the culture there is going to be amazing with coach Campbell and the staff . . . They thoroughly enjoyed [the visit].

"He sees a quarterback room where he can be competitive as a young player . . . really enjoyed being around the staff, pointed to the academics as well as something that really caught his eye. Then [Mencl] talked about the incredible campus, the great facilities. And he was able to get an extra day at Penn State because he was originally going to go to Miami [after]. Miami landed [quarterback] Israel Abrams while [Mencl] was at Penn State, so he stuck around. And he said that the Penn State staff made it more than worth it to get that extra day on campus."

Steve Wiltfong says Penn State "made it more than worth it" for four-star QB Will Mencl stay an extra day in Happy Valley

Wiltfong added that Auburn and Oregon are still in contention to land Mencl. He has a visit lined up in the back half of April in Eugene, and the recruiting expert anticipates his decision coming soon after that.

Mencl is ranked 84th overall in the country, seventh among quarterbacks, and first out of recruits from Arizona, per 247Sports Composite rankings. Rivals Industry Ranking has him listed at No. 50 nationally, No. 4 at quarterback, and No. 1 from his state.

The Ducks are still leading this recruitment battle, currently holding a 97.4 percent chance over the rest of the schools, according to Rivals. With Abrams committing to the Hurricanes, the Nittany Lions are one step closer, even if it seems like it's out of their reach to land Mencl.

The unexpected multi-day visit was critical. It's not a clear choice for the recruit, even if Oregon pulled away in the race earlier on. It's the Ducks' battle to lose, and the Nittany Lions are a favorable underdog in that case.

"Penn State put a lot on his mind moving forward," Wiltfong concluded.