PSU Nittany Lions: Tyler Boyd
Heading into summer, NittanyNation will look closer at the 2014 recruits who claim offers from Penn State. Today we examine four-star DB Dravon Henry, who's No. 127 in the ESPN 150.
Vitals: DB Dravon Henry, Aliquippa (Pa.) High School, 5-foot-11, 181 pounds
Offers: He holds about two dozen right now. For those of you bad at math, that means about 1-in-5 of FBS schools have decided to extend Henry an offer. He's in high demand, and some of his top offers include Florida State, Michigan, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
Vitals: DB Dravon Henry, Aliquippa (Pa.) High School, 5-foot-11, 181 pounds
Offers: He holds about two dozen right now. For those of you bad at math, that means about 1-in-5 of FBS schools have decided to extend Henry an offer. He's in high demand, and some of his top offers include Florida State, Michigan, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
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NittanyNation mailbag: Sanctions, maybes 
February, 1, 2013
Feb 1
1:00
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By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Welcome to NittanyNation's bi-weekly mailbag! We asked you to tweet or email your questions this week, and we've selected three to answer in-depth.
William Amesbury (@WAmesbury16) writes: Where do you think the 2013 recruiting class would be without the sanctions?
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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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Three future Penn State players -- two commits, one preferred walk-on -- have earned spots on the Pennsylvania team in the Big 33 Football Classic, an annual all-star game that now pits players from Maryland and the Keystone state.
Three-star athlete Zayd Issah (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) will play outside linebacker, while four-star OL Andrew Nelson (Hershey, Pa./Hershey) will be on offensive line. Preferred walk-on Evan Galimberti (State College, Pa./State College) will join him there.
Maryland will not choose its team until next month. The game will kick off on Saturday, June 15 at 7:06 p.m., in HersheyPark Stadium.
The all-star game traces its roots to 1957 and has at times included Texas, Ohio and East Pa. vs. West Pa. This will be the first year Pennsylvania doesn't play Ohio in 14 years; the Big 33 signed a five-year contract with Maryland in late October.
In the last meeting between Pennsylvania and Maryland was in 1992. Pennsylvania won 38-0.
Other familiar names to make the team include Pitt commit WR Tyler Boyd, PSU target LB Chris Britton, Pitt commit (and former PSU commit) OL Dorian Johnson, PSU target WR Brian Lemelle, South Carolina commit RB David Williams and Michigan State commits QB Damion Terry and SS Delton Williams.
The Big 33 has a full roster here.
Three-star athlete Zayd Issah (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) will play outside linebacker, while four-star OL Andrew Nelson (Hershey, Pa./Hershey) will be on offensive line. Preferred walk-on Evan Galimberti (State College, Pa./State College) will join him there.
Maryland will not choose its team until next month. The game will kick off on Saturday, June 15 at 7:06 p.m., in HersheyPark Stadium.
The all-star game traces its roots to 1957 and has at times included Texas, Ohio and East Pa. vs. West Pa. This will be the first year Pennsylvania doesn't play Ohio in 14 years; the Big 33 signed a five-year contract with Maryland in late October.
In the last meeting between Pennsylvania and Maryland was in 1992. Pennsylvania won 38-0.
Other familiar names to make the team include Pitt commit WR Tyler Boyd, PSU target LB Chris Britton, Pitt commit (and former PSU commit) OL Dorian Johnson, PSU target WR Brian Lemelle, South Carolina commit RB David Williams and Michigan State commits QB Damion Terry and SS Delton Williams.
The Big 33 has a full roster here.
U.S. Army Bowl: Tuesday notebook
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
7:52
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson and
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO – ESPN 150 wide receiver James Quick (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) has drawn plenty of attention for his play through two practices for the East team in preparation for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
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Boyd to commit Saturday; will make visits
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
7:40
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
On the fence about a decision earlier this week, one of the nation's top athletes plans to announce his commitment Saturday.
Clairton (Pa.) ESPN 300 athlete Tyler Boyd said Tuesday he will commit during at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Arizona, Michigan State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and West Virginia are the programs the No. 17 athlete nationally lists as his top group.
Clairton (Pa.) ESPN 300 athlete Tyler Boyd said Tuesday he will commit during at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Arizona, Michigan State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and West Virginia are the programs the No. 17 athlete nationally lists as his top group.
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With just two scholarships remaining, Penn State is looking to add some quality to its 2013 class and is targeting several ESPN 300 prospects.
NittanyNation takes a closer look at six uncommitted recruits that Penn State's after:
1. ATH Tyler Boyd, 6-1, 175, Clairton (Pa.)
NittanyNation takes a closer look at six uncommitted recruits that Penn State's after:
1. ATH Tyler Boyd, 6-1, 175, Clairton (Pa.)
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HERSHEY, Pa. -- Bill O'Brien chatted with fans and took several photos Saturday, as he and nearly all of his staff scouted prospects over the state title weekend.
NittanyNation personally saw all but three coaches -- John Strollo, Ted Roof, Larry Johnson -- and the only coach's attendance that could not be immediately confirmed was Roof. Not a bad turnout for Penn State, who clearly had the most coaches there.
Some recruits definitely caught their attention of this staff. NittanyNation first runs through the performance of each target who played in Friday's Class A title game and what he showed Penn State:
NittanyNation personally saw all but three coaches -- John Strollo, Ted Roof, Larry Johnson -- and the only coach's attendance that could not be immediately confirmed was Roof. Not a bad turnout for Penn State, who clearly had the most coaches there.
Some recruits definitely caught their attention of this staff. NittanyNation first runs through the performance of each target who played in Friday's Class A title game and what he showed Penn State:
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Tyler Boyd: No leader has emerged
December, 16, 2012
12/16/12
12:40
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Tyler Boyd contends there is no No. 1 on his list. If there was, the Clairton (Pa.) athlete would be committing in three weeks.
That likely will not be the case anymore for the ESPN 300 recruit and record-setting playmaker.
"It's still dated on [Jan. 5] but still thinking if I should commit or not. It's a decision I'm not ready for," Boyd said. "It's still Michigan State, Penn State, Rutgers, Arizona, West Virginia and Pitt.
That likely will not be the case anymore for the ESPN 300 recruit and record-setting playmaker.
"It's still dated on [Jan. 5] but still thinking if I should commit or not. It's a decision I'm not ready for," Boyd said. "It's still Michigan State, Penn State, Rutgers, Arizona, West Virginia and Pitt.
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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.
With the Pennsylvania state football championships Friday and Saturday, NittanyNation decided to compile a list of competing Penn State targets and what other recruits to watch out for.
With just eight teams left, there's little time left to scout or performances left to watch. So here are the teams and players to keep an eye on in Hershey, Pa.:
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Tyler Boyd does not make WVU official
December, 8, 2012
12/08/12
2:06
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Four-star Clairton (Pa.) athlete Tyler Boyd was scheduled to drive down to West Virginia for his official visit Saturday morning. That visit is no longer happening.
Clairton assistant coach Eric Fusco said Boyd is not making his scheduled visit to the Mountaineers, once thought to be his leader. Fusco was supposed to take Boyd on the visit.
Boyd, No. 161 in the ESPN 300, has only taken one official visit, which went to Pittsburgh the weekend of Nov. 16.
Clairton assistant coach Eric Fusco said Boyd is not making his scheduled visit to the Mountaineers, once thought to be his leader. Fusco was supposed to take Boyd on the visit.
Boyd, No. 161 in the ESPN 300, has only taken one official visit, which went to Pittsburgh the weekend of Nov. 16.
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Tyler Boyd hosting two PSU coaches
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
3:22
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Penn State refuses to give up on its two top uncommitted in-state targets -- and arguably top two overall targets -- despite playing from behind since July.
Earlier this week, Penn State assistant coach Charles London was in Philadelphia coaxing ESPN 150 running back David Williams to take a visit. Following that stop at Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia, London boarded a plane for Pittsburgh.
Just a few miles south of Pittsburgh down the Monongahela River is Clairton, home of Tyler Boyd, the No. 161 prospect in the ESPN 300.
Earlier this week, Penn State assistant coach Charles London was in Philadelphia coaxing ESPN 150 running back David Williams to take a visit. Following that stop at Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia, London boarded a plane for Pittsburgh.
Just a few miles south of Pittsburgh down the Monongahela River is Clairton, home of Tyler Boyd, the No. 161 prospect in the ESPN 300.
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Another visit scheduled for Tyler Boyd
December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
10:38
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Clairton, Pa., athlete Tyler Boyd is fresh off a 200-yard, five-touchdown performance, becoming the WPIAL's career touchdown leader. Football is his Friday focus, as his Clairton team is in the middle of a record run and a fourth straight title chase.
During the week, however, the ESPN 300 recruit has his hands full with recruiting.
On Thursday, Penn State and Wisconsin, two teams outside the four-star prospect's immediate top group, will come visit him at school and at home. Lions assistant coach Stan Hixon will be coming by for Penn State, and the belief is that Badgers assistant coach Charlie Partridge will come on Wisconsin's behalf.
During the week, however, the ESPN 300 recruit has his hands full with recruiting.
On Thursday, Penn State and Wisconsin, two teams outside the four-star prospect's immediate top group, will come visit him at school and at home. Lions assistant coach Stan Hixon will be coming by for Penn State, and the belief is that Badgers assistant coach Charlie Partridge will come on Wisconsin's behalf.
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PSU remains outside Tyler Boyd's top five
December, 3, 2012
12/03/12
12:00
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
SOMERSET, Pa. -- ESPN 300 athlete Tyler Boyd stuffed his fingers into his hand-warmer Friday night and tried to find the right words to describe his recruitment with Penn State.
"They're still in it," he said of the Lions. "Coach [Stan] Hixon came into school last week to check me out, and he came to one of our past games. I think he's coming over this week for a home visit, so that'll be cool to talk to him a little bit."
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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.