PSU Nittany Lions: Jake Waters
Juco QB Ferguson commits to Penn State 
December, 14, 2012
12/14/12
7:58
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Junior college quarterback Tyler Ferguson (Bakersfield, Calif./College of Sequoias) has reversed course and said he committed to the Nittany Lions today.
When asked what the deciding factor was in his decision, Ferguson said it was quarterbacks coach Charlie Fisher. "I felt amazingly comfortable with [him]," Ferguson said. "And I really want to play for him."
He becomes the 18th commit -- and second quarterback -- of Penn State's 2013 class. He will compete for the starting job as soon as he arrives on campus.
When asked what the deciding factor was in his decision, Ferguson said it was quarterbacks coach Charlie Fisher. "I felt amazingly comfortable with [him]," Ferguson said. "And I really want to play for him."
He becomes the 18th commit -- and second quarterback -- of Penn State's 2013 class. He will compete for the starting job as soon as he arrives on campus.
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Welcome to NittanyNation's first-ever mailbag! We asked you to tweet your questions this week, and we've selected three to answer in-depth -- starting with the question we received most.
Brian Wess (@bwessfootball) writes: What's Penn State's next move for a quarterback? Tyler Ferguson?
Josh Moyer: You hit the nail right on the head, Brian. I spoke with Ferguson and his junior college coach briefly Thursday, and that's exactly what's at play here. Penn State made it clear Jake Waters was Plan A. When that fell through, the staff contacted Ferguson and offered him a scholarship as their Plan B.
Ferguson said he'll commit to a school at some point this morning. He's on the West Coast, though, and plays for Bakersfield (Calif.) College of the Sequioias, so it could still be a few hours. At this point, though, it's pretty clear that Penn State is Ferguson's top choice. Houston already has three quarterbacks as part of its 2013 class, while PSU has just one scholarship QB for the spring. You do the math.
Ferguson's addition would help PSU -- but he's no Waters. Iowa Western's QB threw one interception for every 111 attempts; Ferguson one for every 29 attempts. Steven Bench had a head start against Waters in learning Penn State's pro-style offense, but Bench has to be considered a much higher favorite to start in 2013 now that another quarterback -- likely Ferguson -- is coming on instead.
Brian Wess (@bwessfootball) writes: What's Penn State's next move for a quarterback? Tyler Ferguson?
Josh Moyer: You hit the nail right on the head, Brian. I spoke with Ferguson and his junior college coach briefly Thursday, and that's exactly what's at play here. Penn State made it clear Jake Waters was Plan A. When that fell through, the staff contacted Ferguson and offered him a scholarship as their Plan B.
Ferguson said he'll commit to a school at some point this morning. He's on the West Coast, though, and plays for Bakersfield (Calif.) College of the Sequioias, so it could still be a few hours. At this point, though, it's pretty clear that Penn State is Ferguson's top choice. Houston already has three quarterbacks as part of its 2013 class, while PSU has just one scholarship QB for the spring. You do the math.
Ferguson's addition would help PSU -- but he's no Waters. Iowa Western's QB threw one interception for every 111 attempts; Ferguson one for every 29 attempts. Steven Bench had a head start against Waters in learning Penn State's pro-style offense, but Bench has to be considered a much higher favorite to start in 2013 now that another quarterback -- likely Ferguson -- is coming on instead.
Junior college quarterback Tyler Ferguson (Bakersfield, Calif./College of Sequoias) said in a message he will decide Friday morning whether to commit to Houston or Penn State.
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Fans in Nittany Lions country let loose an audible gasp when Iowa Western Community College quarterback Jake Waters pulled a purple and gray hat from a plastic bag and fitted it over his head this morning.
He had committed to Kansas State. Some Penn State fans might have paused for a few moments, wondering if maybe he would pull out another cap in some sort of misplaced homage to Antonio Logan-El. ... Nope, after several days of analysts (including this one) saying PSU boasted the edge, the Wildcats pulled ahead when it mattered most.
Waters, causing a tornado of ecstasy and anger, was slammed by some fans on Twitter and praised by others. He was supposed to be Penn State's Band-Aid, the junior college quarterback who could enroll early, push Steven Bench for playing time and ensure the Lions a successful season, maybe two, before turning over the reins to Christian Hackenberg.
He had committed to Kansas State. Some Penn State fans might have paused for a few moments, wondering if maybe he would pull out another cap in some sort of misplaced homage to Antonio Logan-El. ... Nope, after several days of analysts (including this one) saying PSU boasted the edge, the Wildcats pulled ahead when it mattered most.
Waters, causing a tornado of ecstasy and anger, was slammed by some fans on Twitter and praised by others. He was supposed to be Penn State's Band-Aid, the junior college quarterback who could enroll early, push Steven Bench for playing time and ensure the Lions a successful season, maybe two, before turning over the reins to Christian Hackenberg.
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K-State lands junior college teammates
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
11:54
AM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Jake Waters, arguably the top junior college quarterback in the country, has committed to play for Kansas State. He was later joined in the Wildcats' class by teammate Devon Nash, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end.
Waters and Nash become the 13th and 14th members of the Wildcats' 2013 class. Waters joins three-star recruit Jesse Ertz (Mediapolis, Iowa/Mediapolis), becoming the second quarterback of the class. Waters will enroll early and immediately compete for the starting job.
Waters, who told ESPN.com on Monday that he has held the same favorite "for a few weeks," chose Kansas State over Penn State during an announcement this morning on Iowa Western's campus in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Playing time was a priority for him, and he felt he had the best chance to play early on those two teams.
He made an official visit to Penn State on Nov. 17, and Bill O'Brien paid him and his parents an in-home visit Monday. He met with Kansas State coach Del Miller on Wednesday, after going to an official visit this past weekend.
In 12 games this season, Waters passed for 3,501 yards while completing 73 percent of his passes. He had 39 touchdowns to just three interceptions.
Nash selected the Wildcats over offers from Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Memphis, Nevada, San Jose State, Texas Tech and Western Michigan. He took visits to Arizona State, K-State and was slated to visit Oklahoma State this weekend, but won't anymore.
Waters and Nash become the 13th and 14th members of the Wildcats' 2013 class. Waters joins three-star recruit Jesse Ertz (Mediapolis, Iowa/Mediapolis), becoming the second quarterback of the class. Waters will enroll early and immediately compete for the starting job.
Waters, who told ESPN.com on Monday that he has held the same favorite "for a few weeks," chose Kansas State over Penn State during an announcement this morning on Iowa Western's campus in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Playing time was a priority for him, and he felt he had the best chance to play early on those two teams.
He made an official visit to Penn State on Nov. 17, and Bill O'Brien paid him and his parents an in-home visit Monday. He met with Kansas State coach Del Miller on Wednesday, after going to an official visit this past weekend.
In 12 games this season, Waters passed for 3,501 yards while completing 73 percent of his passes. He had 39 touchdowns to just three interceptions.
Nash selected the Wildcats over offers from Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Memphis, Nevada, San Jose State, Texas Tech and Western Michigan. He took visits to Arizona State, K-State and was slated to visit Oklahoma State this weekend, but won't anymore.
Iowa Western C.C. announcements chat
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
12:00
AM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Junior-college All-Americans Jake Waters and Devon Nash will announce their college decisions at 11:30 a.m. ET Thursday. Waters, a quarterback, is expected to announce between Penn State and Kansas State. Nash, a defensive end, will pick between K-State and Oklahoma State.
RecruitingNation reporter Mitch Sherman will be at the announcement. Follow his updates and engage with RecruitingNation reporters Josh Moyer and Jeremy Crabtree before and after the decisions below.
RecruitingNation reporter Mitch Sherman will be at the announcement. Follow his updates and engage with RecruitingNation reporters Josh Moyer and Jeremy Crabtree before and after the decisions below.
Jake Waters, Devon Nash set to announce
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
11:11
PM ET
By
Mitch Sherman | ESPN.com
Thursday is decision day at Iowa Western Community College.
With quarterback Jake Waters already set to make his college choice known between Kansas State and Penn State, defensive end Devon Nash said Wednesday night that he would also announce his commitment. K-State and Oklahoma State are finalists for Nash.
Waters threw for 3,501 yards, completing 244 of 333 passes with 39 touchdowns and three interceptions, in helping the Reivers to a 12-0 finish and No. 1 final ranking in the NJCAA poll.
With quarterback Jake Waters already set to make his college choice known between Kansas State and Penn State, defensive end Devon Nash said Wednesday night that he would also announce his commitment. K-State and Oklahoma State are finalists for Nash.
Waters threw for 3,501 yards, completing 244 of 333 passes with 39 touchdowns and three interceptions, in helping the Reivers to a 12-0 finish and No. 1 final ranking in the NJCAA poll.
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Waters talks visit, to announce Thursday
December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
10:40
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Jake Waters' parents ushered Bill O'Brien inside their home on a frigid Monday, escorting him to the dining-room table where a spread of crackers, brownies and water awaited.
The juco quarterback's starstruck younger brother asked the coach for an autograph, and Waters' parents were eager to pepper the Penn Stater with questions: Could the Iowa Western quarterback start there? What were the academics like? Would he fit in OK since PSU doesn't usually take junior college players?
Waters said he's known "for a few weeks" now whom he's leaning toward. He declined to disclose that favorite -- he said he'll announce his decision Thursday -- but he said this in-home visit and Wednesday's upcoming visit with Kansas State's coaches were more for his parents' benefit.
The juco quarterback's starstruck younger brother asked the coach for an autograph, and Waters' parents were eager to pepper the Penn Stater with questions: Could the Iowa Western quarterback start there? What were the academics like? Would he fit in OK since PSU doesn't usually take junior college players?
Waters said he's known "for a few weeks" now whom he's leaning toward. He declined to disclose that favorite -- he said he'll announce his decision Thursday -- but he said this in-home visit and Wednesday's upcoming visit with Kansas State's coaches were more for his parents' benefit.
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Waters receives special call from Klein
December, 9, 2012
12/09/12
9:28
PM ET
By
Mitch Sherman | ESPN.com
A postscript to today's report on Iowa Western Community College quarterback Jake Waters:
Waters, while on his visit to Kansas State, received a call Saturday night from K-State co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Del Miller minutes after the Heisman Trophy was awarded. Miller, in New York, handed the phone to Collin Klein, who finished third in the Heisman balloting.
“I was really surprised that it was Collin,” Waters said. “He just told me that Kansas State was a great place.”
Waters, while on his visit to Kansas State, received a call Saturday night from K-State co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Del Miller minutes after the Heisman Trophy was awarded. Miller, in New York, handed the phone to Collin Klein, who finished third in the Heisman balloting.
“I was really surprised that it was Collin,” Waters said. “He just told me that Kansas State was a great place.”
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Juco QB Jake Waters nears decision
December, 9, 2012
12/09/12
7:19
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
One of the top junior college quarterbacks in the country is ready to make a decision.
Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western C.C.) took his final official visit this past weekend, which went to Kansas State. Now, he will decide between the Big 12 and the Big Ten.
“It’s pretty much K-State and Penn State right now,” the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Waters said.
Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western C.C.) took his final official visit this past weekend, which went to Kansas State. Now, he will decide between the Big 12 and the Big Ten.
“It’s pretty much K-State and Penn State right now,” the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Waters said.
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Waters' PSU visit helps narrow decision
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
11:30
AM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Jake Waters flew into Happy Valley with a backup plan. If he didn't like Penn State, he told himself, he'd schedule an official to NC State.
He's not planning to see the Wolfpack anymore.
"That pretty much narrows my decision down to Penn State and Kansas State with what I saw," said Waters, a juco quarterback out of Council Bluffs (Iowa) Iowa Western. "I felt right at home and thought I could fit in, so I don't think another visit is necessary."
He's not planning to see the Wolfpack anymore.
"That pretty much narrows my decision down to Penn State and Kansas State with what I saw," said Waters, a juco quarterback out of Council Bluffs (Iowa) Iowa Western. "I felt right at home and thought I could fit in, so I don't think another visit is necessary."
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RB Wimberly enjoys official visit to PSU
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
11:30
AM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Aaron Wimberly (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western C.C.) stood near the 30-yard line Saturday and watched Penn State warm up.
He wore a blue pin -- "No pity for Indy" -- and basked in the "impressive" crowd of 90,358 during his first official visit. He had plenty lot of questions spinning around his head, but he said the coaching staff answered them all.
"Penn State, me taking a visit opened my eyes on things and I'm just taking it slow," he said. "I'm still committed to Iowa State, but I'm really seeing things and checking everything out."
He wore a blue pin -- "No pity for Indy" -- and basked in the "impressive" crowd of 90,358 during his first official visit. He had plenty lot of questions spinning around his head, but he said the coaching staff answered them all.
"Penn State, me taking a visit opened my eyes on things and I'm just taking it slow," he said. "I'm still committed to Iowa State, but I'm really seeing things and checking everything out."
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Rounding out PSU's 2013 recruiting class
November, 14, 2012
11/14/12
9:30
AM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
With national signing day just three months away, Penn State has been making a late push for more 2013 commitments.
NittanyNation takes a closer look at five prospects who already hold offers and could soon make their decisions:
Competing schools: Air Force, Appalachian State, Marshall, Miami (Ohio)
NittanyNation takes a closer look at five prospects who already hold offers and could soon make their decisions:
CB Deondre Singleton, Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer
UnratedCompeting schools: Air Force, Appalachian State, Marshall, Miami (Ohio)
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5 Questions: PSU target QB Jake Waters
November, 9, 2012
11/09/12
11:00
AM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Every week, NittanyNation will pose five questions to a recruit, player, alum or coach about all things Penn State.
This week's subject is junior college quarterback Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western C.C.), Penn State's top uncommitted quarterback target. He'll take an official visit to Happy Valley on Nov. 17 for the Indiana game.
Waters is widely regarded as the nation's top juco signal-caller. Through 10 games, he's posted up video game-type numbers. He's thrown for 3,001 yards, 37 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He's also completing nearly 75 percent of his passes.
This week's subject is junior college quarterback Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western C.C.), Penn State's top uncommitted quarterback target. He'll take an official visit to Happy Valley on Nov. 17 for the Indiana game.
Waters is widely regarded as the nation's top juco signal-caller. Through 10 games, he's posted up video game-type numbers. He's thrown for 3,001 yards, 37 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He's also completing nearly 75 percent of his passes.
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Juco QB Jake Waters schedules officials
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
12:27
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Juco quarterback Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western C.C.) announced Thursday night he's now joining his teammate, tailback Aaron Wimberly, on an official visit to Penn State on Nov. 17.
Waters called up Penn State assistant Charlie Fisher around 11 p.m. to settle his plans. He alerted Fisher of his intent a week before -- and it was largely believed he would travel along with his roommate -- but the trip wasn't cemented until last night.
"Having one of my really, really close friends there is going to help a lot," Waters said. "So we can talk about and compare what we like, and that's pretty cool."
Waters called up Penn State assistant Charlie Fisher around 11 p.m. to settle his plans. He alerted Fisher of his intent a week before -- and it was largely believed he would travel along with his roommate -- but the trip wasn't cemented until last night.
"Having one of my really, really close friends there is going to help a lot," Waters said. "So we can talk about and compare what we like, and that's pretty cool."
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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.