Penn State football has started rebuilding its 2027 recruitment class, starting with three commitments on the defensive side of the ball. Assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith has continued making an impact in recruiting young talent.
Four-star cornerback Semajay Robinson and three-star cornerbacks Zachary Gleason Jr. and Ka'ron Ceaser committed to the blue and white over a span of five days.
On Saturday, April 4, another defenseman joined the Nittany Lions' class. Defensive lineman Carter Blattner, a three-star from Allendale, N.J., committed to Penn State. Per 247Sports Composite rankings, Blattner is ranked 417th nationally, 48th among defensive linemen, and eighth out of New Jersey among Class of 2027 recruits. Rivals Industry Ranking has the lineman ranked 432nd overall, 51st at his position, and eighth from his state.
🚨BREAKING🚨
— Joel Haas (@Joel_Haas1) April 4, 2026
Three-star class of 2027 DL Carter Blattner has committed to Penn State, per @Hayesfawcett3.
He’s currently on a visit to campus. pic.twitter.com/pFQoUtb6Vk
Three-star defensive lineman Carter Blattner commits to Penn State and becomes fourth member of its recruitment class
Per Tyler Calvaruso of 247Sports, Blattner was actively on a visit in Happy Valley when he made his decision. He was observing one of the Nittany Lions' spring practice on Saturday.
Culture under head coach Matt Campbell, as Blattner told Lions247 before his April 4 visit, stands out to the defensive lineman. Campbell's approach to the spring season particularly resonates well with the current roster, so it's no doubt that the organization and involvement each player has during spring sessions speaks to visiting recruits as well.
It's almost something Campbell said is important for recruits to not only acknowledge but also fit into. He emphasizes a slow process to recruitment, even though he's at a disadvantage in terms of timing when compared to other programs, making sure he's finding the right players that mix well with the culture he's creating in Happy Valley.
When hayes Fawcett of On3 broke the news of Blattner's commitment, he added that Penn State beat out schools like USC, Kentucky, and Virginia Tech.
He initially had official visits lined up with the Hokies and Wildcats for the spring/summer session. Wisconsin was also penciled into Blattner's schedule. While he did not confirm that he plans on canceling those visits, his commitment is certain that he'll be back on the Nittany Lions' campus over the weekend of June 5 for that official visit.
As a high school junior in 2025, Blattner had 45 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks.