Penn State football can't afford to lose these 3 recruits on National Signing Day

Quinton Martin is Penn State’s second-highest-rated recruit in this class, but Franklin and Ja’Juan Seider have certainly proven themselves capable of stockpiling talent at the position. 

Then, the Nittany Lions have two offensive linemen to round out the top five rated players in their 2024 class. Jon Mitchell is their highest-rated defensive player and their only four-star on that side of the ball. 

With Manny Diaz gone and Tom Allen taking over as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, the defensive side of the ball is suddenly a much bigger question mark. 

Mitchell wouldn’t be expected to play much in 2024, even with Johnny Dixon departing for the NFL draft. I also wouldn’t expect much of a drop-off in the quality of the defense next season even without Chop Robinson, and potentially Kalen King, Adisa Isacc, and others. However, a recruiting cycle without any four-star players on that side of the ball could potentially be disastrous in 2026 or 2027.