PSU Nittany Lions: Kasey Gaines
Defensive back Kasey Gaines (Loganville, Ga./Grayson) committed to Penn State in September and signed with the Nittany Lions as the 10th pledge of the 2013 class.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound prospect will enroll over the summer and compete at cornerback. He said he hasn't received a playbook, just a workout routine, but he's hoping to hit the ground running. He recently spoke with NittanyNation about his expectations for this season, the biggest adjustment on the field and moving more than 700 miles from home.
NittanyNation: I know you said that it hasn't really hit you that you'll be on campus in about three months. So does that mean you try not to look ahead and just focus on high school? Or do you think about suiting up inside Beaver Stadium a lot now?
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound prospect will enroll over the summer and compete at cornerback. He said he hasn't received a playbook, just a workout routine, but he's hoping to hit the ground running. He recently spoke with NittanyNation about his expectations for this season, the biggest adjustment on the field and moving more than 700 miles from home.
NittanyNation: I know you said that it hasn't really hit you that you'll be on campus in about three months. So does that mean you try not to look ahead and just focus on high school? Or do you think about suiting up inside Beaver Stadium a lot now?
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Now that Penn State's Class of 2013 is officially in the books, we decided to ask the commits about their future with the Nittany Lions.
NittanyNation posed the same question to everyone: How do you think -- or hope -- your class will be remembered in four or five years?
Here's what they had to say:
NittanyNation posed the same question to everyone: How do you think -- or hope -- your class will be remembered in four or five years?
Here's what they had to say:
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Coaches aren't able to talk about individual recruits until they sign their letters of intent. Here's how Penn State coach Bill O'Brien responded to questions about them Wednesday:
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Signing day has gone smoothly in Happy Valley.
Here's a recap of how the letters of intent came in and how the class came together in Penn State's Class of 2013.
Follow the live blog after the jump.
Penn State's Class of 2013 ranks among the top 25 in the nation, and it's been one of the more surprising stories of the recruiting season. These prospects could've gone elsewhere -- some could've attended anywhere -- but they stuck with the Nittany Lions.
They'll officially become part of Penn State today. So, we asked them, why did you want to commit Penn State? Here's what they had to say this week:
They'll officially become part of Penn State today. So, we asked them, why did you want to commit Penn State? Here's what they had to say this week:
- QB Christian Hackenberg, Fork Union, Va./Fork Union, four stars, No. 15 in ESPN 150: "You know, I just got this gut feeling that it was home for me. Everything fell in line for me moreso than the other schools. I liked a lot of other schools, but I loved Penn State."
- OT Andrew Nelson, Hershey, Pa./Hershey, four stars:"Well, first off, I've been a Penn State fan my entire life. My dad went to Penn State, his whole family went to Penn State, my sister went to Penn State -- so I've been watching Penn State my whole life. So, since like fifth grade, I wanted to play for Penn State. It also came down to, most importantly, the education. That should be first on everyone's list, and it was on mine. Penn State offered a great education, and it offered the major I'm looking for.
- "And, secondly, it would have to be the coaching staff and how they can develop me -- not just as a player but as a man of character. I think this coaching staff will do the best job of that. And, then, location comes into it. I have to admit I'm a momma's boy, and I love being around my family. And I want them to come and watch me play. So, in a nutshell, that's why."
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Every weekday until signing day, NittanyNation will break down a commitment from Penn State’s 2013 recruiting class.
Vitals: Safety Kasey Gaines, Loganville, Ga./Grayson, 5-foot-9, 165 pounds.
Committed: Sept. 19, 2012.
Vitals: Safety Kasey Gaines, Loganville, Ga./Grayson, 5-foot-9, 165 pounds.
Committed: Sept. 19, 2012.
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With two weeks left until signing day, NittanyNation takes a closer look at what fans should know about the state of the class and this Penn State team.
Team needs: Defensive coordinator John Butler made it clear he wasn't happy with the secondary's depth last season. At cornerback, untested true freshman Da'Quan Davis was the backup, and the safeties opened the year as the team's weakness.
That's not the only concern. With Matt McGloin's departure, Steven Bench is now the most experienced quarterback on the team. And he threw just eight passes last season. Linebacker is also a position that could use a few extra bodies, especially with Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges making a run at the NFL.
Team needs: Defensive coordinator John Butler made it clear he wasn't happy with the secondary's depth last season. At cornerback, untested true freshman Da'Quan Davis was the backup, and the safeties opened the year as the team's weakness.
That's not the only concern. With Matt McGloin's departure, Steven Bench is now the most experienced quarterback on the team. And he threw just eight passes last season. Linebacker is also a position that could use a few extra bodies, especially with Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges making a run at the NFL.
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Over the past week, NittanyNation has taken a glance at different positions and their outlook for next season.
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Rich Barnes/US PresswireMuch will be expected of Stephen Obeng-Agyapong in his senior season for the Lions.
Rich Barnes/US PresswireMuch will be expected of Stephen Obeng-Agyapong in his senior season for the Lions.- Who: Stephen Obeng-Agyapong and Malcolm Willis both return as starters and rising redshirt seniors. Willis was known as the quarterback of the secondary, while teammates called Obeng-Agyapong the most improved player since Week 1. Ryan Keiser is a solid special teams player and might be next in line if someone goes down. Then again, there's certainly enough young players here to push for time as backups. Jake Kiley and Jordan Lucas (listed as a CB but could also play S) appear to be the furthest ahead, while incoming freshman Neiko Robinson should be a solid addition to the scout team for now. Kasey Gaines is almost guaranteed to redshirt.
- Strengths: These starters are experienced, and they made some nice improvements in the second half of the season. Willis added a lot to the communication of the defense, and it was pretty evident when he was out of the lineup. Obeng-Agyapong made longer strides than anyone else on defense, and there's a lot of potential here in a quartet consisting of incoming freshmen and redshirt freshmen.
- Weaknesses: Although the safeties made great strides last season, they were still the Achilles' heel of this defense. PSU had to resort to more zone coverage because they seemed to lack awareness and were a liability on third downs. Neither safety recorded an interception, and they need to shore up the middle of the field better than in 2012.
- Surprise player: Kiley. Bill O'Brien mentioned him by name on Monday, and he's also been a player who's received quite a bit of praise since preseason camp. He likely won't see much time this season, but he could still end up being a three-year starter. This year will go a long way in determining his development and future role. Somebody needs to replace Willis and Obeng-Agyapong in 2014.
- Overall: This will obviously be an improved group from last season because both starters return and finally have more experience under their belts. The graduation of Jake Fagnano doesn't hurt that much, and fans can expect to see above-average production out of the safeties. This isn't a strength of the defense -- not by any means -- but it should no longer be a liability. Obeng-Agyapong especially has a lot of potential, and these two starters will be looked upon as leaders in the secondary.
Roof's departure affects Southern pipeline 
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
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Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Ted Roof's surprise resignation Wednesday won't send this defense reeling, in part, because John Butler is a fiery, competent coach. But his departure will definitely be felt in one key department -- recruiting.
Roof was Penn State's pipeline to the South, a man whose reputation commanded the attention of recruits, especially those in Georgia and Alabama. With his absence, so goes an important part of that pipeline.
Historically, the coaching staff hasn't ventured farther south than Virginia, so Penn State wasn't a favorite among recruits unaccustomed to building snowmen. Most didn't see the university as an option -- until Roof showed up.
Roof was Penn State's pipeline to the South, a man whose reputation commanded the attention of recruits, especially those in Georgia and Alabama. With his absence, so goes an important part of that pipeline.
Historically, the coaching staff hasn't ventured farther south than Virginia, so Penn State wasn't a favorite among recruits unaccustomed to building snowmen. Most didn't see the university as an option -- until Roof showed up.
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Penn State's 2013 class: 5 things to know
December, 23, 2012
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Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
There's still about 44 days left for PSU to pick up two more players for the Class of 2013, but there's already some things we know about this group.
NittanyNation takes a look at five things that have already come into focus here:
1. The future for this offense is bright. If ESPN's No.1-rated passer, Christian Hackenberg, was the only offensive prospect in this class, that statement might still be accurate. But throw in the nation's No. 1 TE in Adam Breneman, the No. 10 OG in Brendan Mahon and the No. 18 OT in Andrew Nelson -- and that's the best combination in the Big Ten.
NittanyNation takes a look at five things that have already come into focus here:
1. The future for this offense is bright. If ESPN's No.1-rated passer, Christian Hackenberg, was the only offensive prospect in this class, that statement might still be accurate. But throw in the nation's No. 1 TE in Adam Breneman, the No. 10 OG in Brendan Mahon and the No. 18 OT in Andrew Nelson -- and that's the best combination in the Big Ten.
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Official visits to Penn State this weekend
December, 6, 2012
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Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
More than a dozen recruits and commits will converge on Happy Valley for their official visits this weekend, and Penn State's coaching staff is hoping it might earn at least one more commitment.
A majority of Penn State's 13 commits will drive or fly to campus Friday and then leave Sunday. The staff is hoping their loyalty rubs off on a quartet of uncommitted prospects, as this weekend is undoubtedly one of the most important -- recruiting-wise -- of the season.
Here's the visitors' list:
UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS
DaeSean Hamilton, WR
Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Four stars, No. 51 at position
Synopsis: He's already gone on official visits to Wake Forest and Virginia, and he might also see Virginia Tech. He wants to make a decision before the New Year, so this visit could likely go a long way in helping him decide. He's never before been to Happy Valley.
Zayd Issah, LB
Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin
Three stars, No. 118 at position (ATH)
Synopsis: He's been to Penn State multiple times, but he figured it was worth attending an official visit to see if it offered a different perspective or deeper look. He'll take an Oregon official after this -- and possibly another to Arizona State. But, at this point, it's probably a race between the Ducks and Lions.
Deondre Singleton, Cornerback
Unrated
Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer
Synopsis: Penn State is clearly Singleton's best offer. When asked last month why he hasn't yet committed, he said he just wants to a visit a school first before he makes a decision. It would be a surprise to see him land elsewhere; a commitment could be coming soon from Singleton.
Jonathan Walton, LB
Unrated
Daphne, Ala./Bayside
Synopsis: He went on an official visit to Minnesota last week, but it's clear PSU has a very good chance to land the linebacker. He took on a part-time job over the summer so he could afford to fly himself to Penn State for a camp, and he said he wanted to see the campus and get a feeling for what student life would actually be like -- since Penn State was deserted when he came up before.
COMMITTED PROSPECTS
A majority of Penn State's 13 commits will drive or fly to campus Friday and then leave Sunday. The staff is hoping their loyalty rubs off on a quartet of uncommitted prospects, as this weekend is undoubtedly one of the most important -- recruiting-wise -- of the season.
Here's the visitors' list:
UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS
DaeSean Hamilton, WR
Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Four stars, No. 51 at position
Synopsis: He's already gone on official visits to Wake Forest and Virginia, and he might also see Virginia Tech. He wants to make a decision before the New Year, so this visit could likely go a long way in helping him decide. He's never before been to Happy Valley.
Zayd Issah, LB
Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin
Three stars, No. 118 at position (ATH)
Synopsis: He's been to Penn State multiple times, but he figured it was worth attending an official visit to see if it offered a different perspective or deeper look. He'll take an Oregon official after this -- and possibly another to Arizona State. But, at this point, it's probably a race between the Ducks and Lions.
Deondre Singleton, Cornerback
Unrated
Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer
Synopsis: Penn State is clearly Singleton's best offer. When asked last month why he hasn't yet committed, he said he just wants to a visit a school first before he makes a decision. It would be a surprise to see him land elsewhere; a commitment could be coming soon from Singleton.
Jonathan Walton, LB
Unrated
Daphne, Ala./Bayside
Synopsis: He went on an official visit to Minnesota last week, but it's clear PSU has a very good chance to land the linebacker. He took on a part-time job over the summer so he could afford to fly himself to Penn State for a camp, and he said he wanted to see the campus and get a feeling for what student life would actually be like -- since Penn State was deserted when he came up before.
COMMITTED PROSPECTS
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Rounding out PSU's 2013 recruiting class
November, 14, 2012
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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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Cornerback Deondre Singleton (Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer) received a Penn State offer last month and is now planning some of his official visits -- and hopes to soon visit Happy Valley.
NittanyNation recently caught up with the 2013 DB to speak with him in-depth about his college recruitment and why he hasn't yet committed to PSU. He holds three other FBS offers from Air Force, Marshall and Miami (Ohio).
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Cook enjoys PSU visit, still 'solid' to UVa
October, 31, 2012
10/31/12
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Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Safety Malcolm Cook (Fork Union, Va./Fork Union) said he remains "100 percent committed to Virginia," but he still felt like part of the Penn State family over the weekend.
Cook joined his high school teammate Christian Hackenberg as a recruiting guest Saturday and the two checked out a tailgate before before joining PSU's other commits at Beaver Stadium. He shared popcorn with Adam Breneman and Kasey Gaines, and even took a sip of Breneman's soda.
"It's how they were to me, just like family," Cook said with a laugh. "Adam was like, 'Taste this, man' and I'm like, 'I don't want to taste it.' ... A guy on the field told us we all act like brothers."
Cook joined his high school teammate Christian Hackenberg as a recruiting guest Saturday and the two checked out a tailgate before before joining PSU's other commits at Beaver Stadium. He shared popcorn with Adam Breneman and Kasey Gaines, and even took a sip of Breneman's soda.
"It's how they were to me, just like family," Cook said with a laugh. "Adam was like, 'Taste this, man' and I'm like, 'I don't want to taste it.' ... A guy on the field told us we all act like brothers."
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5 Questions: Commit No. 10 Kasey Gaines
September, 28, 2012
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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 Kasey Gaines (Loganville, Ga./Grayson), Penn State's No. 10 commitment in the class of 2013 who will play at safety. Gaines recently called defensive coordinator Ted Roof to let him know of his commitment, and he'll join the team over the summer.
Gaines is a three-star prospect who is ranked No. 82 at his position.
This week's subject is Kasey Gaines (Loganville, Ga./Grayson), Penn State's No. 10 commitment in the class of 2013 who will play at safety. Gaines recently called defensive coordinator Ted Roof to let him know of his commitment, and he'll join the team over the summer.
Gaines is a three-star prospect who is ranked No. 82 at his position.
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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.