What PSU is getting in its latest LB commit 
May, 10, 2013
May 10
4:18
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Jared Wangler's commitment to Penn State might just be a few minutes old, but the big question now is what kind of player is Penn State getting here?
NittanyNation turned to one of the people who knows most what he's capable of on the field -- Matt Lewis, an assistant coach at Warren (Mich.) De La Salle -- and asked what separates the outside linebacker, and how he first noticed Wangler's potential.
NittanyNation turned to one of the people who knows most what he's capable of on the field -- Matt Lewis, an assistant coach at Warren (Mich.) De La Salle -- and asked what separates the outside linebacker, and how he first noticed Wangler's potential.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Safety Marcus Allen (Upper Marlboro, Md./Wise) has just become the eighth commit for the Nittany Lions, his head coach confirmed.
"I believe that he looked at all of his options, took a couple of visits, really liked the atmosphere and liked the coaching staff," Wise coach DaLawn Parrish said.
Allen said in March that he hadn't really formed an opinion on the Nittany Lions. But after a visit to spring practice -- and a closer look at the facilities, tempo and staff -- the 2014 prospect said his entire outlook had changed.
PSU became a favorite in a short period of time, and he was at the Blue-White Game last month talking to commits like Mark Allen. Marcus previously said that early playing time with PSU was also a positive.
"They showed me the depth chart and said I could make an impact," he said. "They didn't say I would get a starting position -- no school would tell me that -- but they said the opportunity to play early is really high. So I know if I work my butt off in the weight room and classroom, then I can get that job."
Allen finished his junior season with 69 tackles (39 solo), two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The former linebacker also deflected nine passes.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound prospect holds more than 20 offers. He chose Penn State over schools such as Clemson, Georgia Tech, Nebraska, Pitt and Rutgers.
He is the second defensive back of the 2014 class, the first of whom, Daquan Worley, came just last week.
"I believe that he looked at all of his options, took a couple of visits, really liked the atmosphere and liked the coaching staff," Wise coach DaLawn Parrish said.
PSU became a favorite in a short period of time, and he was at the Blue-White Game last month talking to commits like Mark Allen. Marcus previously said that early playing time with PSU was also a positive.
"They showed me the depth chart and said I could make an impact," he said. "They didn't say I would get a starting position -- no school would tell me that -- but they said the opportunity to play early is really high. So I know if I work my butt off in the weight room and classroom, then I can get that job."
Allen finished his junior season with 69 tackles (39 solo), two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The former linebacker also deflected nine passes.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound prospect holds more than 20 offers. He chose Penn State over schools such as Clemson, Georgia Tech, Nebraska, Pitt and Rutgers.
He is the second defensive back of the 2014 class, the first of whom, Daquan Worley, came just last week.
Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign">Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the Big Ten:
Illinois Illini
What they’re selling: A chance to rebuild a program from the ground up, beginning with four-star quarterback Aaron Bailey, who signed in 2013.
What they’re missing: Just about all of the top prospects from their own state.
Indiana Hoosiers
What they’re selling: Indiana coach Kevin Wilson embraces the idea of a college spring break and is ready to head to Cancun with some of his players.
What they’re missing: Wilson looks like he might hold the group up in Mexico, however, as he still needs the assistance of a flotation device. Points that it is in the shape of a turtle, though.
Iowa Hawkeyes
What they’re selling: Iowa boasts one of the few staffs that can say they will be there all four years of a recruit’s career and has the history to back it up. Kirk Ferentz is the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten and it’s not even close.
What they’re missing: Out-of-state prospects tend to think Iowa is all cornfields, leaving the staff to battle that misconception countless times throughout the recruiting cycle.
Michigan Wolverines
What they’re selling: Michigan coach Brady Hoke looks like an outlaw patrolling the sideline on Saturdays without a headset.
What they’re missing: The player who graces the NCAA Football 2014 cover Denard Robinson. "Shoelace" was one of the Wolverines’ best recruiting tools.
Michigan State Spartans
What they’re selling: Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is the man behind Little Giants, one of the greatest trick plays of the last few decades.
What they’re missing: A trip to a Rose Bowl under Dantonio would put Michigan State over the top when it comes to recruiting. There is already a significant difference in the caliber of player the Spartans are now getting compared to just a few seasons ago.
Minnesota Gophers
What they’re selling: The Gophers boast the biggest locker room in college football.
What they’re missing: They have not had a winning season since 2008.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
What they’re selling: Bo Pelini whipped out “The Bernie” in the Huskers’ Harlem Shake video. Harlem Shake equals instant credibility with recruits.
What they’re missing: A lack of a strong base of in-state talent makes it tough to recruit at Nebraska, and a Harlem Shake video can overcome only so much.
Northwestern Wildcats
What they’re selling: The new facilities are right near Lake Michigan, which, as assistant Bob Heffner is telling recruits, is a great spot for fishing.
What they’re missing: Not too many high schoolers in New Jersey have taken up fishing as a hobby. At least not yet.
Ohio State Buckeyes
What they’re selling: Urban Meyer is bringing SEC speed to the Big Ten.
What they’re missing: Has anyone actually clocked Meyer in the 40-yard dash? How fast is he really?
Penn State Nittany Lions
What they’re selling: Beaver Stadium fits more than 106,000 on Saturdays, making it the second largest stadium in the country. Inside is also one of the country’s most passionate fan bases, and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit once listed Penn State’s student section as “simply the loudest, most supportive student section in college football.”
What they’re missing: A full slate of scholarships and a chance to play for a Big Ten title the next few years.
Purdue Boilermakers
What they’re selling: Few programs have the history Purdue does at quarterback, and former Boilermakers Drew Brees, Kyle Orton and Curtis Painter are all on NFL rosters. The Boilermakers just signed ESPN 300 QB Danny Etling, too.
What they’re missing: Brees, Orton and Painter.
Wisconsin Badgers
What they’re selling: The Badgers have been to three straight Rose Bowls.
What they’re missing: The coach who took them there.
Illinois Illini
What they’re selling: A chance to rebuild a program from the ground up, beginning with four-star quarterback Aaron Bailey, who signed in 2013.
What they’re missing: Just about all of the top prospects from their own state.
Indiana Hoosiers
What they’re selling: Indiana coach Kevin Wilson embraces the idea of a college spring break and is ready to head to Cancun with some of his players.
What they’re missing: Wilson looks like he might hold the group up in Mexico, however, as he still needs the assistance of a flotation device. Points that it is in the shape of a turtle, though.
Iowa Hawkeyes
What they’re selling: Iowa boasts one of the few staffs that can say they will be there all four years of a recruit’s career and has the history to back it up. Kirk Ferentz is the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten and it’s not even close.
What they’re missing: Out-of-state prospects tend to think Iowa is all cornfields, leaving the staff to battle that misconception countless times throughout the recruiting cycle.
Michigan Wolverines
What they’re selling: Michigan coach Brady Hoke looks like an outlaw patrolling the sideline on Saturdays without a headset.
What they’re missing: The player who graces the NCAA Football 2014 cover Denard Robinson. "Shoelace" was one of the Wolverines’ best recruiting tools.
Michigan State Spartans
What they’re selling: Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is the man behind Little Giants, one of the greatest trick plays of the last few decades.
What they’re missing: A trip to a Rose Bowl under Dantonio would put Michigan State over the top when it comes to recruiting. There is already a significant difference in the caliber of player the Spartans are now getting compared to just a few seasons ago.
Minnesota Gophers
What they’re selling: The Gophers boast the biggest locker room in college football.
What they’re missing: They have not had a winning season since 2008.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
What they’re selling: Bo Pelini whipped out “The Bernie” in the Huskers’ Harlem Shake video. Harlem Shake equals instant credibility with recruits.
What they’re missing: A lack of a strong base of in-state talent makes it tough to recruit at Nebraska, and a Harlem Shake video can overcome only so much.
Northwestern Wildcats
What they’re selling: The new facilities are right near Lake Michigan, which, as assistant Bob Heffner is telling recruits, is a great spot for fishing.
What they’re missing: Not too many high schoolers in New Jersey have taken up fishing as a hobby. At least not yet.
Ohio State Buckeyes
What they’re selling: Urban Meyer is bringing SEC speed to the Big Ten.
What they’re missing: Has anyone actually clocked Meyer in the 40-yard dash? How fast is he really?
Penn State Nittany Lions
What they’re selling: Beaver Stadium fits more than 106,000 on Saturdays, making it the second largest stadium in the country. Inside is also one of the country’s most passionate fan bases, and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit once listed Penn State’s student section as “simply the loudest, most supportive student section in college football.”
What they’re missing: A full slate of scholarships and a chance to play for a Big Ten title the next few years.
Purdue Boilermakers
What they’re selling: Few programs have the history Purdue does at quarterback, and former Boilermakers Drew Brees, Kyle Orton and Curtis Painter are all on NFL rosters. The Boilermakers just signed ESPN 300 QB Danny Etling, too.
What they’re missing: Brees, Orton and Painter.
Wisconsin Badgers
What they’re selling: The Badgers have been to three straight Rose Bowls.
What they’re missing: The coach who took them there.
Every week, NittanyNation will pose five questions to a recruit, player, alum or coach about all things Penn State.
This week's subject is 2015 prospect Jerome Baker, a linebacker/tailback out of Cleveland (Ohio) Benedictine who already holds nine offers, including one from Penn State. The Nittany Lions are recruiting him as a linebacker, and he was last on campus for the Blue-White Game.
NittanyNation: I'm assuming you grew up an Ohio State fan since you lived in Ohio, right? So, tell me, what do you know about Penn State?
This week's subject is 2015 prospect Jerome Baker, a linebacker/tailback out of Cleveland (Ohio) Benedictine who already holds nine offers, including one from Penn State. The Nittany Lions are recruiting him as a linebacker, and he was last on campus for the Blue-White Game.
NittanyNation: I'm assuming you grew up an Ohio State fan since you lived in Ohio, right? So, tell me, what do you know about Penn State?
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Welcome to NittanyNation's mailbag! We asked you to tweet or email your questions, and we've selected three to answer in-depth this week.
Jim Murphy (@JimMurphy13) writes: Jabrill Peppers could have left PSU off his list and only made a top three. That leads me to believe we have a real shot with him. I know Michigan is the front-runner but, with a visit coming up and a decision soon, don't you think PSU can land him?
Josh Moyer: I don't. He's kind of like the reverse of Daquan Worley. Worley was a heavy PSU lean, had PSU and RU as his top two, but figured he might as well check out Georgia Tech since his decision was approaching. The Yellow Jackets had a chance to really impress him but still didn't make an impact in the end, just two weeks before his commitment.
Jim Murphy (@JimMurphy13) writes: Jabrill Peppers could have left PSU off his list and only made a top three. That leads me to believe we have a real shot with him. I know Michigan is the front-runner but, with a visit coming up and a decision soon, don't you think PSU can land him?
Josh Moyer: I don't. He's kind of like the reverse of Daquan Worley. Worley was a heavy PSU lean, had PSU and RU as his top two, but figured he might as well check out Georgia Tech since his decision was approaching. The Yellow Jackets had a chance to really impress him but still didn't make an impact in the end, just two weeks before his commitment.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Incoming preferred walk-on Chris Gulla (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) will compete for the starting job at kicker once he gets on campus over the summer.
He has a strong chance to start sometime during his career. So NittanyNation recently spoke to him about his chances this season, his thoughts on PSU and what fans can expect from him.
NittanyNation: You'll arrive at Penn State on June 22, and the first game is about two months later. I know you want to start, but that's still a quick turnaround. How do you like your chances, and how disappointed would you be if you were relegated to backup?
He has a strong chance to start sometime during his career. So NittanyNation recently spoke to him about his chances this season, his thoughts on PSU and what fans can expect from him.
NittanyNation: You'll arrive at Penn State on June 22, and the first game is about two months later. I know you want to start, but that's still a quick turnaround. How do you like your chances, and how disappointed would you be if you were relegated to backup?
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The secondary is a focus with this class, so the recruits here will play a big role in whether this 2014 class will be considered a success.
As a result, NittanyNation decided to produce a top-five list that attempts to mirror the Lions' big board. Daquan Worley already committed, but there's at least two more open spots here.
1. CB Jabrill Peppers, Paramus (N.J.) Catholic, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds
Five stars; No. 2 in ESPN 150
As a result, NittanyNation decided to produce a top-five list that attempts to mirror the Lions' big board. Daquan Worley already committed, but there's at least two more open spots here.
1. CB Jabrill Peppers, Paramus (N.J.) Catholic, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds
Five stars; No. 2 in ESPN 150
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Jabrill Peppers' coach at Paramus (N.J.) Catholic said his star player is inching closer to a decision and it's fair to say he's now down to just four schools: Michigan, Stanford, Penn State and LSU.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
What kind of player is Penn State getting in Daquan Worley? And what can fans expect?
NittanyNation turned to one of the people who knows most what Worley is capable of on the field -- Matt Ortega, his high school coach at Coatesville (Pa.) High School -- and asked what separates the tailback/cornerback as a player, how he first noticed Worley's ability and when the player especially showcased his potential.
NittanyNation turned to one of the people who knows most what Worley is capable of on the field -- Matt Ortega, his high school coach at Coatesville (Pa.) High School -- and asked what separates the tailback/cornerback as a player, how he first noticed Worley's ability and when the player especially showcased his potential.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
John Reid (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Joseph's Prep) still can't drive without the supervision of an adult -- he just earned his learner's permit last month -- but the rising junior already needs to keep track of his scholarship offers with his cell phone.
Those 10 offers are there on his notepad app in case friends or reporters ask. But he doesn't like to open that list. He knows he's still young -- and a verbal offer is a lot different from a written one.
Those 10 offers are there on his notepad app in case friends or reporters ask. But he doesn't like to open that list. He knows he's still young -- and a verbal offer is a lot different from a written one.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Heading into summer, NittanyNation will look closer at the 2014 recruits who claim offers from Penn State. Today we examine safety Marcus Allen, who was on campus last month for the Blue-White Game.
Vitals: Safety Marcus Allen, Upper Marlboro (Md.) Wise, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Offers: He now holds more than 20, with his most recent coming from UConn and Purdue. Some of the top schools to offer him include Clemson, Georgia Tech, Nebraska, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Vanderbilt.
Vitals: Safety Marcus Allen, Upper Marlboro (Md.) Wise, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Offers: He now holds more than 20, with his most recent coming from UConn and Purdue. Some of the top schools to offer him include Clemson, Georgia Tech, Nebraska, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Vanderbilt.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Defensive tackle Jeremiah Clarke (Alexandria, Va./T.C. Williams) took the next step in the recruiting process Tuesday night by announcing his top six on Twitter.
The 6-foot-4, 272-pound lineman said the schools on his short list now include Penn State, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Virginia, Miami (Fla.) and Tennessee. Clarke said in a text he's not yet sure whether he'll visit any of those schools again.
The Virginia product is currently hoping to commit somewhere by the end of the month, so his top-six announcement was expected. He holds 17 offers, and some of the bigger schools left off his top six included Maryland, Nebraska, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
He finished his junior season with 11.5 sacks despite playing six games with a broken left hand. He also had 38 tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one blocked kick and seven quarterback hurries through 10 games.
According to Clarke, Penn State's staff told him that his playing style was similar to third-round NFL draft pick Jordan Hill.
The 6-foot-4, 272-pound lineman said the schools on his short list now include Penn State, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Virginia, Miami (Fla.) and Tennessee. Clarke said in a text he's not yet sure whether he'll visit any of those schools again.
The Virginia product is currently hoping to commit somewhere by the end of the month, so his top-six announcement was expected. He holds 17 offers, and some of the bigger schools left off his top six included Maryland, Nebraska, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
He finished his junior season with 11.5 sacks despite playing six games with a broken left hand. He also had 38 tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one blocked kick and seven quarterback hurries through 10 games.
According to Clarke, Penn State's staff told him that his playing style was similar to third-round NFL draft pick Jordan Hill.
Regional recruiters are not the ones coming in to see a prospect the size of Sterling Jenkins (Pittsburgh/Baldwin). Colleges are sending offensive line coaches directly instead to size up the fastest-rising 2015 prospect in Pennsylvania.
There are not too many 16-year-old sophomores who stand 6-foot-8 and weigh 295 pounds, so coaches are the ones traveling to the Steel City to see Jenkins to properly gauge his stature. Baldwin coach Pete Wagner said colleges are surprised to see he is the real deal.
There are not too many 16-year-old sophomores who stand 6-foot-8 and weigh 295 pounds, so coaches are the ones traveling to the Steel City to see Jenkins to properly gauge his stature. Baldwin coach Pete Wagner said colleges are surprised to see he is the real deal.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ESPN 150 athlete Dravon Henry (Aliquippa, Pa./Aliquippa) listed his top four schools about two months ago with the understanding it would slow down his recruitment.
With the mailbox now stuffed with 50 letters by the middle of the week, it's safe to say the four-star athlete understood incorrectly.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Sweat dripped from Ryan Brand's forehead after Monday's 90-minute workout. The exhausted dual-threat quarterback could've taken a nap right then -- but his ears perked up when his coach called his name.
His coach at Detroit (Mich.) University of Detroit Jesuit High School handed him a letter, his first FBS letter, stamped with the Nittany Lion emblem in the upper left hand corner.
His coach at Detroit (Mich.) University of Detroit Jesuit High School handed him a letter, his first FBS letter, stamped with the Nittany Lion emblem in the upper left hand corner.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT NITTANY NATION
Josh Moyer
Josh Moyer joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering Penn State football for recruiting website Nittany Network and City Hall for The Citizens' Voice in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Moyer graduated from Penn State and earned his graduate degree at Columbia. Email him at espnjoshmoyer@gmail.com.