Another Commit

Drew Astorino committed to Kent earlier this year, however a late push by Iowa caused him to start to reconsider. Penn State started looking at Drew a few weeks ago and apparently 2 days ago, the Lions offered. It did not take long for Drew to decide he wanted to be a Nittany Lion.

Drew is projected as an Athlete and rated a 2 star on rivals.com. He is a two-time first team All-State selection, and this year's AP Class AAA Player of the year for PA.


Drew Astorino

PSU Picks Up Walk-On

Tyler Ahrenhold had a full scholarship offer to Arizona, however has recently decided to accept a preferred walk-on position at Penn State. Tyler ran a 4.5 40 yard dash this past summer at a PSU camp. This is what sparked the interest from Arizona for the safety prospect. However, Tyler had PSU in mind the entire time even after giving Arizona a hard look.



Tyler Ahrenhold

A.J. Alexander Update

A.J. Alexander, is only a junior wide receiver, but Penn State's recrutiting coordinator, Mike McQueary (Big Reg), has been talking to A.J. since the 9th grade. A.J. plays only a short distance away from Happy Valley in Altoona. He is currently holding offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, Pitt, Penn State, Temple, Rutgers, Iowa, Louisville and Maryland. He plans on graduating early and enrolling in the spring semester at his college of choice. He currently says he does not have a leader.


A.J. Alexander

Roberts Confirms Commitment

Earlier this week, Desmond Roberts said Penn State was 3rd on his list. So it was not a big shock to see Desmond re-confirm his commitment to North Carolina State this week.

Penn State is still going hard after defensive lineman Chimaeze Okoli and running back Broderick Green. These appear to be the only two still in play for this years recruiting class minus walk-ons.


Desmond Roberts

Tate Gets Offer

Junior standout, Kenny Tate, from Maryland received a visit from Larry Johnson this week. Johnson handed Tate a written scholarship before he left. Tate is expected to be a top player in the nation next year.


Kenny Tate

Chimaeze Okoli to Decide

Chimaeze Okoli is going to make his decision no later than Friday he says. Right now it is even with the decision being between Penn State and Virginia Tech. Okoli says as soon as one appears to be the leader he will decide.


Chimaeze Okoli

Hunt Wins Senior Bowl MVP

Tony hunt won the 2007 Senior Bowl MVP. The first PSU player to win the award since Larry Johnson, Jr did in 2003. Tony led all rushers with 39 yards on 8 rushes and a TD to open the scoring for the North squad. He also added 12 yards receiving on 2 catches.

Levi Brown had his named mentioned quite a bit during the game for his hard work and upside throughout the week and in the game.

Paul, I only saw play in two different possessions. He finished without any tackles.


Tony Hunt

Chimaeze Returns

Chimaeze Okoli visited Penn State this weekend and says they are the co-leaders with Virginia Tech. Chimaeze does not have a date for his announcement yet, but says it will be before signing day.

Carr Thinking of Retirement?

With a contract verbiage change, the rumors have started that Lloyd Carr may be looking to retire as early as the end of next season.

Malcolm to USC

Malcolm Smith has been off PSU's radar for some time now, but I thought I would post that he has verballed to USC. USC was the place to beat from the beginning and this is hardly a shocker.

Trattou to Florida

Notre Dame commit, Justin Trattou, has de-committed and is not headed to Gainesville to play for the Gators. Justin was a recruit earlier in the year with PSU interest, but committed early to Notre Dame. There have been a LOT of de-commits the last few weeks and several very good players have found their way to The University of Florida. It is also being rumored that while Meyer was in New Jersey, he also visited highly ranked lineman and Rutgers commit Anthony Davis.

Pos Named Senior Bowl Tri-Captain

Paul Posluszny has been named captain of the North squad along with Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye and Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker. The game will be held at 4:00 p.m. and televised by the NFL Network.

Okoli Update

Chimaeze Okoli is coming to PSU for an official this weekend which is no surprise. That has been reported for a week or so now. The new information is that he plans on making a decision next Wednesday. Okoli is an under the radar kid that has not had a lot of attention. He is now deciding between Michigan State, Virginia Tech and Penn State. Notre Dame stopped by the other day he mentioned, but he feels he is not waiting for an offer from them and is choosing between his current top 3.



Rivals.com

2 in 2 Days

Yesterday Devon Still committed to Penn State. Today it was Derek Moye's turn. Derek decided between Penn State and Pitt and today at noon he announced for the lions. That makes two big commitments in two days.

Paterno Visits Moye

Joe Paterno visited Derek Moye's school yesterday. Joe always causes a scene no matter where he goes with his legend status.

Derek is to make his decision today at noon. A lot of people are saying he is headed to PSU, but it is hard to tell. It is a close one and I am sure he will mention that no matter where he chooses: Penn State or Pitt.

Vote for Pos

Paul Posluszny has been selected as a finalist for the 2006 Dapper Dan Sportsman of the Year award which is given by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Help the former lion add to his collection.



Vote

Still is Coming

Devon Still announced for Penn State just a few minutes ago. This was a great pick-up for Penn State as they were never mentioned as the leader all season long. The staff did a great job late in pulling Devon into the team. Another big Larry Johnson, Sr pull.

Rough weekend for Lion Wrestlers

It was a rough weekend for the PSU wrestling team. They finished 0-2 after matches with both Wisconsin and Minnesota on the road.
#10 Penn State 16, #17 Wisconsin 17

Friday, January 19, 2007 – Madison, Wis.

125: #2 Mark McKnight PSU dec. Collin Cudd UW, 10-4
133: Zach Tanelli UW dec. #4 Jake Strayer PSU, 12-6 3-3
141: #20 Kyle Ruschell UW dec. Bryan Heller PSU, 11-5 3-6
149: #8 Tyler Turner UW dec. Dan Vallimont PSU, 8-6 3-9
157: #6 Craig Henning UW tech. fall Bubba Jenkins PSU, 18-1 (6:32) 3-14
165: Dave Rella PSU dec. Jake Donar UW, 6-4 6-14
174: #7 James Yonushonis PSU maj. dec. Mike Felling UW, 13-4 10-14
184: Trevor Brandvold UW dec. Phil Bomberger PSU, 10-5 10-17
197: #3 Phil Davis PSU dec. #11 Dallas Herbst UW, 11-6 13-17
HWT: #11 Aaron Anspach PSU dec. Kyle Massey UW, 8-5 16-17

Records: Penn State 9-3, 0-1 Big Ten; Wisconsin 15-0, 1-0 Big Ten

---

#10 Penn State 12, #1 Minnesota 31

Sunday, January 21, 2007 – Minneapolis, Minn.




125: #5 Jayson Ness MINN pinned #2 Mark McKnight PSU, WBF (4:55) 0-6

133: #4 Jake Strayer PSU dec. Mike Thorn MINN, 14-7 3-6
141: #2 Manuel Rivera MINN tech. fall Bryan Heller PSU, 16-1 (TF 6:33) 3-11
149: #1 Dustin Schlatter MINN maj. dec. Dan Vallimont PSU, 15-4 3-15
157: #3 C.P. Schlatter MINN maj. dec. Bubba Jenkins PSU, 14-4 3-19
165: Jeremy Larson MINN dec. Dave Rella PSU, 9-5 3-22
174: #7 James Yonushonis PSU dec. #12 Gabriel Dretsch MINN, 3-2 6-22
184: #2 Roger Kish MINN pinned Phil Bomberger PSU, WBF (3:20) 6-28
197: #3 Phil Davis PSU pinned Brent Eidenschink MINN, WBF (1:36) 12-28
HWT: #1 Cole Konrad MINN dec. #11 Aaron Anspach PSU, 5-1 12-31

Records: Penn State 9-4, 0-2 Big Ten; Minnesota, 12-1, 1-0 Big Ten

Devon's Announcement

Devon Still will announce tomorrow at noon. It was to be on ESPN, however since the announcement was already promised to NBC 10 in Philadelphia, ESPN has decided to not broadcast since it will not be an exclusive. The decision will be between Ohio State and Penn State. It seems to be a coin toss...

Roberts Returns

Desmond Roberts has returned from him trip to Happy Valley. He mentioned he had a good visit. It appears to be down to Penn State and NC State for Desmond's services. Next week he will host coaches from both PSU and NC State. Joe Paterno and Bill Kennedy are expected to visit on Thursday while NC State has yet to have a confirmed date. Desmond does not expect to announce until signing day.


scout.com

Moye Pushes Announcement

Derek Moye has once again postponed his announcement. Derek has never come out and gave a date, however has said in the past, he expects to announce next week. Well, this week is no different. He is expecting to announce next week now instead of this week. Moye was visited by Pitt coaches last friday during his basketball game. Paterno is expected to make a trip this week. The further push backs and extra visits show how close this one really is.


rivals.com

Academics High for Desmond

You can see in this article that is appears Desmond Roberts has academics high on his scale of things to look for in an university. Seeing the numbers side by side, it certainly can only be good for PSU's chances.

Roanoke Daily Herald

Pryor Ranked #1

Terrell Pryor has been ranked the top college prospect in the country by USA Today. PSU visited Pryor this past week already and expect much more of it. Terrell also does not currently want to venture too far away from home. Something that can only help the lions cause. He has already been offered by Penn State for both football and basketball. Others that are currently in the running include Pitt, Michigan and Ohio State.



pittsburghlive.com

More Visitors

The list of visitors this weekend has already grown. Changes from yesterday include Chris Colasanti, Desmond Roberts, Andrew Daily, Josh Marks and Nathan Stupar. Colasanti, Daily, Marks and Stupar are all current PSU commits. Desmond Roberts was to visit PSU next weekend, but it appears he moved the date up to this weekend and is already on campus. Desmond does not currently have a written scholarship from Penn State, but his coach feels he will return home with one. Desmond is a three star offensive lineman rated by scout.com.

The big weekend gone small is now big once again. Here is the new full list:

• Broderick Green (official)


• Chris Colasanti (official)


• Desmond Roberts (official)


• Chaz Powell (official)


• Andrew Dailey (un-official)


• Josh Marks (un-official)


• Nathan Stupar (un-official)

New Track Participants

It is rumored that Derrick Williams, Justin King and A.J. Wallace have all joined the PSU track team. I would think this would be mostly for speed training.

Transfer Coming to PSU?

It appears it is a possibility that PSU will add more depth to the defensive line with a transfer. Walker Ashley committed to USC 2 years ago over PSU and several others. Walker is now looking for a new home. He was headed to Minnesota before the firing of Glen Mason and now he is apparently looking hard at Penn State. No matter where Walker ends up enrolling, he will have 4 years to play his 3 years of eligibility. Walker is to visit Happy Valley next weekend or the following. Walker was a 4 star recruit ranked by scout.com in 2004.



scout.com

Recruiting Weekend Update

Both Broderick Green and Chaz Powell will be taking official visits this weekend.

Powell committed to Penn State at the end of June 2006 and is expected to play in the defensive secondary. Chaz is rated by rivals.com as the #6 secondary in the nation and also has made their 2007 Top 100 list (79).

Broderick Green is still committed to USC, however is taking trips to Happy Valley this weekend and Ohio State next weekend. Green's parents were unable to make the trip with him this weekend but are expected to come the following. Instead, Broderick's brother, Greg Wesley, will make the trip with him.

Special visitors this weekend include Larry Johnson, Jr. (Broderick's favorite player) and Tambi Hali. Both Tamba and LJ play for the chiefs with Broderick's brother Greg Wesley. Greg is a strong safety.

Desmond Roberts was to make the trip this weekend, but the date has been pushed to next weekend with Chimaeze Okoli.


Broderick Green


Chaz Powell

Still Time Announced

Devon Still will announce as reported yesterday, next Wednesday. The announcement will be on TV at noon. The channel has yet to be announced, but I would guess ESPNU.

Announcement Close for Moye

Derek Moye is done with his visits now and has said he plans to make an announcement next week. It has been thought that Moye was a strong PSU lean, but Pitt is making a good run at it. Moye says he is torn and will come down to the wire. This one is too close to call.



scout.com

Broderick Green on the Way

That is the good news. He is on his way to State College right now. The bad news is he is alone. No parents. However his parents have said they plan on taking another trip to Happy Valley before signing day. I hope it stays at least a little sunny this weekend.

Still Postpones Decision

Devon Still was to announce tomorrow, however it is looking like it will have to wait until Wednesday. The reasoning is said to be media related. Look for this one to be on ESPNU. It is neck and neck between Penn State and Ohio State. HopefullyLarry Johnson and the distance difference will weigh in as much as we need...

Galloway is Transferring

Nathan Galloway has been given permission by PSU to transfer to another institution. Nathan is currently in his senior year so I am not sure what a transfer would really do for him at this point in time. I guess if he did it right away, he could make the roster at another school. I am unsure of the transfer rules for wrestling if a year of "sit out" time is needed.

It sounds bad to say, but I sort of wish he requested the transfer a few years ago...

gopsusports.com

PSU is a True Family

A great read on Adam Taliaferro and his experience at Penn State. The article is a few months old, but for some reason, I just found it.



collegian.psu.edu

Pryor to Receive Visit

Jay Paterno is expected to visit Jeannette star Terrelle Pryor today. Anyone that has watched the State Playoffs knows Terrelle's name and knows what he can do with the football. Pryor is also one of the states top basketball players (not to mention one of the nations best) with offers from Michigan, Pitt, Penn State and others in both sports already as a junior. Penn State has already offered Pryor and lets hope they keep constant contact. Terrelle is already being mentioned in the same sentence as Vince Young for his style of football play at the quarterback position.



rivals.com

Paterno Making Visits

Yesterday, coach Joe Paterno made visits to both Devin Still and current TE commit Andrew Szczerba. Paterno is known as the closer and if we ever needed one, this would be the time. Still is down to PSU and Ohio State and is now not saying he has a leader. He mentioned that the decision goes back and forth and will ultimately come down to how he feels with his position coach. This definately is something PSU fans will like to hear as Larry Johnson would be that man. A person that Still recognized as a coach that has many players in the NFL currently and they all have diplomas. Academics are big to Devon. He announcement is to be Friday and will possibly be aired on ESPNU.

rivals.com

New Recruit

PSU has apparently offered a new DT recruit from Virginia. Chimaeze Okoli is an unrated defensive lineman from Virginia and is now being recruited by Penn State. Okoli currently has offers from Virginia Tech, East Carolina and Michigan State. He is expressing high interest in PSU and is scheduled to visit Happy Valley the weekend of January 26th.



scout.com

Minnesota Hires New Coach

Dever Broncos assistant Coach Tim Brewster has been hired by Minnesota as their new head coach.

ESPN

McCoy To Announce

The stories are already everywhere that McCoy committed to Pitt this past weekend. There are also many other stories about why, but I won't get into them. He announces today at 3:00 PM and then it will be for sure where he is attending. It is fully expected to be Pitt.

Powell Off the List?

Tydreke Powell was contacted by scout.com and Tydreke does not have a PSU visit planned. When asked if he had interest in PSU still Powell mentioned that he has not heard from Penn State since the North/South Carolina Shrine Bowl. It appears that Tydreke is no longer a PSU option.

Green Sets Visit

This is going to be one of the most important "out of season" recruiting weekends for PSU. Broderick Green has set a date to visit Happy Valley and it is this weekend. Green is still solid to USC, however it is said he is coming in with an open mind. Broderick will visit Ohio State the following weekend.



scout.com

Virginia Duals Wrap-up

PSU went on to blank Rider but lose in the finals to Edinboro. Here are the results.

No. 10 Penn State 41, Rider 0

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 – Virginia Duals – Hampton, Va.
125: #2 Mark McKnight PSU tech. fall Thomas Lorenzo RU, 23-8 (7:00) 5-0
133: #6 Jake Strayer PSU maj. dec. Brian Polashuk RU, 21-8             9-0
141: Bryan Heller PSU tech. fall Don Fisch RU, 19-4 (4:03)        14-0
149: Dan Vallimont PSU dec. Michael Kessler RU, 4-1                    17-0
157: Bubba Jenkins PSU maj. dec. Rob Morrison RU, 18-6                 21-0
165: Dave Rella PSU Inj. Def. Dave Miller RU (2:34 – Rella led 8-2)     27-0
174: #6 James Yonushonis PSU dec. #14 Doug Umbehauer RU, 3-2         30-0
184: Phil Bomberger PSU dec. Mike Miller RU, 5-1                      33-0
197: #5 Phil Davis PSU dec. #15 T.J. Morrison RU, 4-0                 36-0
HWT: #13 Aaron Anspach PSU tech. fall Peter Reid RU, 22-7 (5:58)     41-0

Records: Penn State 9-1, Rider 4-4

No. 10 Penn State 17, No. 12 Edinboro 19

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 – Virginia Duals – Hampton, Va.
125: #2 Mark McKnight PSU dec. Eric Morrill EU, 8-6 3-0
133: #6 Jake Strayer PSU maj. dec. No. 16 Ricky Deubel EU, 13-5 7-0
141: Daryl Cocozzo EU dec. Bryan Heller PSU, 4-0 7-3
149: #5 Gregor Gillespie EU maj. dec. Dan Vallimont PSU, 11-1 7-7
157: #10 Matt Hill EU pinned Bubba Jenkins PSU, WBF (3:59) 7-13
165: #8 Deonte Penn PSU dec. Dave Rella PSU, 7-3 7-16
174: #6 James Yonushonis PSU dec. Phil Morricone EU, 3-2     10-16
184: #11 Alex Clemsen EU dec. Phil Bomberger PSU, 9-4 10-19
197: #5 Phil Davis PSU maj. dec. Pat Bradshaw EU, 10-0               14-19
HWT: #13 Aaron Anspach PSU dec.  No. 19 Joe Fendone EU, 10-4         17-19

Records: Penn State 9-2, Edinboro 12-1

Virginia Duals Update

Penn State wrestling, ranked #10 nationally, was ranked the #1 seed in this weekends Virginia Duals. PSU beat North Dakota State 39-3 and then won over Bloomsburg 22-9 in the quarterfinals. Rider is the next school up for PSU in the semifinals which starts today at 2:00 PM.

No. 10 Penn State 39, North Dakota State 3

Friday, Jan. 12, 2007 – Virginia Duals – Hampton, Va.
125: #2 Mark McKnight PSU dec. Eric Hoffman NDSU, 7-3 3-0
133: #6 Jake Strayer PSU pinned Eric Sanders NDSU, WBF 1:50 9-0
141: Bryan Heller PSU dec. Gabe Mooney NDSU, 8-1 12-0
149: Dan Vallimont PSU maj. dec. Ryan Adams NDSU, 13-4 16-0
157: Bubba Jenkins PSU pinned Adam Aho NDSU, WBF 3:30 22-0
165: Dave Rella PSU maj. dec. Mike Quamme NDSU, 15-7 26-0
174: #6 James Yonushonis PSU maj. dec. Matt Hermann NDSU, 10-2 30-0
184: Matt Wetterling NDSU dec. Mike Ward PSU, 6-3 30-3
197: #5 Phil Davis PSU dec. Jacob Bryce NDSU, 6-2 33-3
HWT: #13 Aaron Anspach PSU pinned Justin LaGosh NDSU, WBF 6:19 39-3

No. 10 Penn State 22, Bloomsburg 9

Friday, Jan. 12, 2007 – Virginia Duals – Hampton, Va.
125: #2 Mark McKnight PSU dec. #10 Mike Sees BU, 5-2 3-0
133: #6 Jake Strayer PSU dec. Luke Donald BU, 9-2 6-0
141: Bryan Heller PSU dec. Daren Kern BU, 7-3 9-0
149: Dan Vallimont PSU dec. Matt Moley BU, 3-1 12-0
157: Bubba Jenkins PSU dec. Dennis Bermudez BU, 3-2 15-0
165: Ricky Schmelyun BU dec. Dave Rella PSU, 3-2 15-3
174: #6 James Yonushonis PSU dec. Andrew Jordan BU, 4-1 18-3
184: Nate Shirk BU dec. Mike Ward PSU, 7-4 18-6
197: #5 Phil Davis PSU maj. dec. P.J. DeStefano BU, 14-2 22-6
HWT: #20 Mike Spaid BU dec. #13 Aaron Anspach PSU, 3-1 (sv) 22-9

Senior Bowl Update

Paul Posluszny, Levi Brown and Tony Hunt will all be participating in the Under Armour Senior Bowl this year. Each will play for the north on January 27th.



collegian.psu.edu

Defensive Invites for the Combine

Add Posluszny, Alford and Tim Shaw to the list of invites to the NFL combine. That makes 5 PSU seniors with Hunt and Levi Brown already announced on the offensive side.

scout.com

Conner Staying

It is official. Dan Conner is staying for his senior year. Conner currently has 274 career tackles leaving him only 98 behind Paul Posluszny.



gopsusports.com

Offensive NFL Combine Invites

Both Tony Hunt and Levi Brown have been invited to the NFL combine. They are the only two Penn State offensive players to be invited. The defense list has yet to be released.

scout.com - RB
scout.com - OT

Poz to Senior Bowl

It was reported last night that Paul Posluszny will practice for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL.



scout.com

Moye to Announce

A very similar story to Devin Still that was reported yesterday. Derek Moye, 4 star WR on scout.com, is expected to receive two in house visits next week before making his decision. The obvious difference is the teams Moye is down to. He already narrowed his list to Penn State and Pittsburgh and they will be the two schools visiting him over the next week and a half. He expects to make a decision shortly thereafter.



scout.com

Norwood Makes the Team

Jordan tried out for the PSU men's basketball team this week and today Ed DeChellis announced that Jordan is on the team. He will suit for this Saturdays game in the number 44 until a number 24 is made in his size by Nike.

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