Penn State Lands Eighth Commitment: PA OL JJ Denman, Come On Down

Penn State picked up its 8th Class of 2012 commitment on Wednesday when PA OL JJ Denman committed to the Nittany Lions ($ - info in header).

Denman is a four-star prospect on both Scout.com and Lions247.com and will join the Lions from Pennsbury H.S. In full disclosure, I am a former student of the Pennsbury School District, so this commitment pleases me greatly, but Denman is also a solid offensive lineman that continues the great class that Penn State has put together.

In addition to his four stars, Denman had a relatively huge offer list, including (but not limited to) Miami, Michigan, MSU, Pitt, South Carolina, and (most importantly) Wisconsin.

We'll have more on JJ in the Friday Recruitin' post, but until then...ladies and gentlemen, JJ Denman.



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LBU Video: OMG, You Mean The Latest Recruiting News Is Only a Phone Call Away? Get Out!!

Life really did suck before the advent of the Internet, and we have the video evidence to prove it. This particular commercial I found from my DVD copy of the 1991 PSU-Cincinnati game provides a stark reminder of just how fortunate we are to be only a few mouse clicks away from gathering information about JoePa's latest press conferences or to keep tabs on how the current recruiting class is shaping up. Twenty years ago, you had to dial a 1-900 number to obtain the very same information that we take for granted these days, and you paid a hefty price of $1.25 per minute in order to do so.

Think about how often your average PSU fan goes to Scout, Rivals, or 247 Sports. Now, imagine said average fan dialing said 900 number just as often...yeah, we're talking about quite the phone bill being racked up. For those of you who are old enough to recall 900 numbers, consider this a whiff of nostalgia. Also, if any brave soul out there is willing to dial the 900 number that the commercial flashes at the end, we would love to hear your story about whatever phone sex hotline that number probably leads to.







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Friday Recruitin' Should've Posted This Morning...

*This week's post was scheduled for its normal early-morning time slot. But Blogger's spasm this week really took a hammer to everything we were trying to do the last 48 hours or so.

Jeff had this week's gal all picked out, and I'm sure as hell not going to disagree with the selection. Unfortunately, there won't be any real intro for her--though she deserves one very much so--because I'm absolutely pressed for every minute right now. Damned Friday the 13th. --Mike

Well the big news this week is the commitment of Maryland (Gilman School) lineman Brian Gaia. A three-star recruit, Gaia is a two-way player that was recruited by Larry Johnson to play defensive tackle. Gaia said that Penn State is one of a few (if not the only) schools to recruit him on the defensive side of the ball, which is the side he prefers. He also said that he grew up watching Penn State football and is thrilled to join the blue and white. As Mike from BSD pointed out, we're getting to the point where the kids we're recruiting are almost too young to remember the "Dark Years" so hopefully the worst of that era is behind us. You can view Gaia's rundown sheet here, though the videos require a subscription.

LBU Week in Review, 5.7.11

In sports news, it was quite a light week. In real news, well... there was that little story from Sunday night. But overall for Penn State it was your typical early-summer week. We wrapped up the NFL Draft, saw PSU hoops bring on a new face, added a dash of fire to the quarterback controversy, and finished it all off with a red-headed smile.

Here's our weekly roundup of featured posts, in case you missed anything.

Friday Recruitin' Loves Stars, Hates Brady Hoke's Linebacker Recruiting Prowess

I stumbled upon this week's Friday Recruitin' Babe accidentally; while searching IMDB for information about a completely unrelated matter, I caught a poster of one of her recent movies and I re-fell in love with her. If you're like me, you probably met her in "Superbad" but now know her as that Hollywood young starlet that isn't addicted to coke or drama. I give to you, Emma Stone. (NOTE: The 2011 Maxim Hot 100 was released recently; debate surrounded the Maxim list, but suffice it to say, you'll be seeing some of these beautiful women on Friday Recruitin' in the future).

Friday Recruitin' Is Camping This Weekend

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, I always say. So since the last two Recruitin' Babes have been from Thursday night NBC comedies, why stop now? There are so many more options, but this week's Babe holds a special place in my heart as a woman that is simultaneously gorgeous AND hilarious. I dare you to watch any of her SNL skits or Weekend Updates, or any of her later Parks and Rec episodes (the first season was iffy), or this scene from 'Baby Mama' and not bust out laughing. Without further ado, your Friday Recruitin' Babe...Amy Poehler (sorry, Will Arnett).

It's only the end of April, and there is already a recruiting buzz in the air, a marked departure from the Class of 2011's sluggish, underwhelming start. With the onset of the college football dead zone (end of spring ball to opening of fall practice), recruiting is all we have to live for; well, that and any new Rob Bolden developments (He's apartment hunting! But in what town?!?).

Two important recruiting notes at the outset of this week's report:

First, Monday marked the start of the Spring Evaluation period (for Penn State, at least; officially, the start was April 15), and many of the coaches will be on the road visiting recruits. As per usual, Lions247 nails the initial trip schedule ($) and an ongoing thread covering the whereabouts of the coaches ($).

Second, beginning today, Penn State will play host to a couple of camps for high school players. On Friday, ESPN's regional Elite 11 quarterback camp will feature some top passers in the area. Then, on Saturday the Nike Combine will take place, also featuring much of the top 2012 and 2013 talent. Once again, Sean has your early list of visitors ($) for the weekend, a list that includes commits and recruits alike, and is very impressive, talentwise.

Finally, please continue to donate to the relief efforts in Alabama, either through the Red Cross, or through the Penn State blog community's concerted efforts, diligently coordinated by Friend of the Program Ben, from VBR.

Sean Fitz of Lions247 Talks Position Battles and 2011 Schedule With Linebacker-U.com

Not yet 30, even I can remember a time when college football news consisted primarily of whatever you heard on Saturday afternoon television, and the relatively few print pieces that came out the following week. Forget the offseason, fans would have to go months without any news, with the possible exception of some injury or local visit update.

A decade or so later, college football is now the second most popular sport in America, behind its professional counterpart. With that popularity, and with the unbelievable information explosion, came 24/7 news cycles for college football fans. Now, recruiting information has become more and more prevalent as more and more fans discover just how important an aspect recruiting really is to a football team's success.

Prior to a couple of years ago, recruitniks were given only two options - Scout.com and Rivals.com. ESPN has trying (including the failed Nittany Network), but they aren't much of a recruiting source. Then, just eight short months ago, like a Phoenix rising from Arizona, a new player emerged on the recruiting scene and, for Penn State fans, things haven't been the same. 247Sports has been rapidly increasing their market and have been doing so with great articles and even better analysis. Sean Fitz, editor of Lions247.com, has routinely scooped the competition in recruiting news (see the Anthony Zettel announcement for proof) and recently sat down with Linebacker-U.com to talk about some of the heated position battles and what 2011 might hold for our Nittany Lions.

Linebacker-U.com: The most obvious question is at quarterback. Who do you think will be under center on September 3, and will any of the four QBs leave the program before fall practice?

Sean Fitz:

Friday Recruitin' Welcomes Jamil and Jarron, Prefers Trudy to Pete

Greendale's finest.

After a week off (thanks, Mike!), I have returned to Friday Recruitin', and I promise not to disappoint. This week's Friday Recruitin' Babe, like last week's, comes to us from NBC's Thursday night comedy lineup. Stopping there, you'd have too many guesses as to whom I might have selected (if you weren't already looking at her picture and cheating). But this particular babe stole your heart as Mrs. Pete Campbell on AMC's Mad Men and hasn't looked back.

In my absence, Penn State got one real commit and one fake commit, though being on top for a five-star defensive tackle is pretty awesome. However, seeing as how they are all technically fake commits at this point, being on top for any of them is great. But I'm not ready to say "WOOOO JARRON JONES" just yet. This reeks of Dominque Easley; hopefully I'm wrong, but I'll feel a lot better after National Letter of Intent Day.

Week in Review at LBU: 2011 Blue-White Week

You won't see them this weekend, but this week
Penn State unveiled its "new" uniforms.

Way more of you are probably staying home today from the Blue-White Game due to the atrocious weather forecast for State College and most of the Northeast. Well, you're not alone, as I'll be home recovering from a fever last night. It sucks, but I'd rather not sit out in 40-degree rainy windy weather for a few hours. Not sure that will help me trying to get better. Of course I'd rather be there today. I've braved the elements so many times before. But it isn't like this is Nebraska or Iowa week we're talking about. If there are 10 total completed passes today, I'll be surprised.

Anyway, on to this week's roundup, in case you missed anything.

Blue-White Week

Blue-White Game Previews, by Mike
Part 1: Offensive Backfield
Part 2: Receivers & Tight Ends
Part 3: Offensive & Defensive Lines
Part 4: Linebackers
Part 5: Secondary & Special Teams

Poll Results: 2011 Blue-White Game - What Do You Want To See This Saturday in Beaver Stadium?, by Mike

Clear the Bench: 11 Starters Likely to Miss the Blue-White Game, by Mike

Penn State's 'New' Uniforms Are Official, by Mike

Hoops

Ernie Nestor off to Missouri, Spring Basketball Recruiting Blurbs, by Eric

Recruiting

Friday Recruitin' Penn State Recruiting Update 4/15, by Mike

GOO PUNCH! NY DT Jarron Jones Commits to Penn State, by Mike

New Jersey DL Jamil Pollard commits to Penn State, by Mike

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Friday Recruitin' Penn State Recruiting Update 4/15

Jenna Fischer--Scranton native Pam Beesly--
thinks West Scranton can suck it.

It's time to break out the blue and white, folks. And while our celebrity pick this week may be a bit over-dressed for a rainy football game in April, the colors are just right.

This weekend Penn State will host a whole bunch of big time recruits, so much of the news will surely come between now and early next week. But there was some nice movment this week, including two big commitments to Penn State. Of course, one of them will be the source of much tension among Nittany Lions recruitniks--Jarron Jones' "soft verbal" commitment.

But this year's class is already being praised by the main stream pundits, and it's not even close to being wrapped up. As Jeff pointed out last week, there could be more than a handful of commitments following the Blue-White Weekend. So stay tuned throughout the weekend and next week for the usual updates, hopefully from some more big names.

GOO PUNCH! NY DT Jarron Jones Commits to Penn State

Mega-recruit Jarron Jones (right) reportedly
committed to Penn State this weekend.

This is huge, literally. Lions247 is reporting tonight that very highly touted defensive tackle Jarron Jones out of Rochester (NY) gave his verbal commitment (Update: It's only a SOFT commit) to Penn State this weekend.

Jones is widely regarded as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the nation this year. Penn State is in desperate need of bulk and talent along the defensive line, and this is the kind of recruit fans should get up and get excited about Penn State apparently landing.

New Jersey DL Jamil Pollard commits to Penn State

(Photo: Pollard's MySpace profile)

The verbals keep rolling in, as West Deptford(NJ) defensive lineman Jamil Pollard committed to Penn State today, according to BWI ($ - info in the teaser)*. Pollard is the No. 40 defensive tackle on Scout.com, and the No. 18 DT on Lion247.com.

Pollard claimed offers from Alabama, Iowa, Florida, Rutgers and a few others besides Penn State. Linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden reeled him in after visiting this weekend with a score of other highly rated recruits.

Here's Pollard's highlight reel:

Friday Recruitin' Penn State Recruiting Update 4/8

Following the recruiting happenings of 17- and 18-year old players is slightly creepy enough, let alone trying to find adequate pictures of them to post on this weekly segment's front page. So the editorial staff at Linebacker-U.com has decided to make a change. We hope you enjoy. The first of our new editions comes to us from America's hat, Canada. Now, back to your weekly recruiting coverage.

This weekend should be a very good visit weekend, with a lot of highly rated recruits on campus. However, the following weekend is the annual Blue-White Weekend, and many visitors are expected (Scout.com has a good running list ($) for all of the weekends). If I were a betting man, I'd expect 2-3 new commits by Sunday, April 17. Which is nice, as I'll be returning from the Caribbean the day before and will be in need of a pick me up.

Until then, we'll keep hyping the praises of our four current commits and keep watching the recruiting news cycle for our top targets. As always, stay up to date with our 2012 Offer/Commit Sheet.

Friday Recruitin' - Penn State Recruiting Update 4/1

Future Nittany Lion? Maybe.
PHOTO: Scout.com

Well the unofficial Junior Day has come and gone, and Penn State picked up one...two...three new commits to join Anthony Stanko in the class of 2012. By our count, Penn State still has 57 offers outstanding, so this class is far from over. They still haven't picked up the coveted defensive backs that should be the target of this class, but that isn't for lack of offering; there are still eight highly rated defensive backs on the board.

This week's cast of visitors isn't nearly as numerous as last week, primarily due to the fact that the annual Coaches Clinic is taking place in Happy Valley over the weekend (which includes the first of three planned scrimmages for the current players). However, stay tuned to Linebacker-U for any news out of State College over the next week. There's no telling when the next commit could happen.

South Allegheny's Jesse James Commits To Penn State

PHOTO: Scout.com

In the least unexpected news ever, South Allegheny tight end Jesse James committed to Penn State today, as reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. James measures in at 6'7", 245 pounds.

James received his verbal offer while visiting this weekend, and he recently told Tom Bradley of his intention to play for the Nittany Lions.

Some have said that James could play on the offensive line (he's listed as an OT by Scout.com), but he likely projects as a tight end. He caught 34 passes for 463 yards last year as a junior for South Allegheny. He joins Maryland's Brent Wilkerson as tight end commits in the Class of 2012, though Wilkerson is a TE/DE hybrid that might end up on the defensive side of the ball.

After visiting Penn State on Saturday, James headed home to take part in the Nike SPARQ Combine in Pittsburgh, where he placed 3rd overall. ESPNRISE's Associate Manager of Football Events Kynon Codrington had some good things to say about James after the Nike event:

Jesse James, OL/TE, South Allegheny (McKeesport, Pa.)

Towering 6-7.5, 243-pound tight end has tackle height and reach that college coaches crave. Registered a 4.88 40 with a 27.9 vert and ended with a 98.55 SPARQ. Made the 2010 all-class Century League team. James is one to keep an eye on based on his measurables and upside

Here is James' tape:

DeMatha's Brent Wilkerson commits to Penn State

Brent Wilkerson (Photo: Baltimore Sun)

Remind me again how Penn State can't recruit? In less than 24 hours, Penn State has picked up its second and third verbal commitments for the 2012 class, as Sean Fitz is reporting that Brent Wilkerson from DeMatha High outside of Washington, DC gave his verbal commitment to the Nittany Lions tonight.

Wilkerson had offers from pretty much every major power school east of Tornado Alley. So you can figure why this is a great commitment.

MA LB Camren Williams Commits To Penn State

PHOTO: Scout.com

Massachusetts linebacker Camren Williams has committed to Penn State during his trip to Happy Valley this weekend, Matt Alkire reports.

Williams is a three-star linebacker that has a good possibility of rising to four-star. Even better, Williams is very close friends with teammate Armani Reeves, a four-star cornerback.

Camren stands at 6'1", 200 pounds, and held offers from UConn, Michigan, Missouri, UNC, Virginia, and Wake Forest.

Penn State Junior Day 2011 Attendees

Drew Harris is a top target in the
state of PA, but might be
headed south. PHOTO: Scout.com

While the entire list of attendees isn't official yet, a couple of sources are reporting a sampling of who will be on campus this weekend. If you're a student and you happen to see one of these players around, give them a smile and a "We Are!" and show them just how great a place Happy Valley truly can be.

Per the Altoona Mirror and JC Shurburtt of 247Sports, the following should be either already on campus, or will be here at some point this weekend:

• MA WR Canaan Severin
• MA LB Camren William
• MA DB Armani Reeves
• PA OL J.J. Denman
• PA OL Chris Muller
• PA TE J.P. Holtz
• PA RB Drew Harris
• MD DE Michael Moore
• MD TE Brent Wilkerson
• PA DB Demetrious Cox (visited earlier this week ($))
• NJ DL Julian Pinnix-Odrick
• At least 10 more ($)

As always, stay tuned for any commitment news. Anthony Stanko is getting mighty lonely on that Class of 2012 Commit list...who will join him? Muller? Muller? Anyone?

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Friday Recruitin' - Penn State Recruiting Update 3/25

In the business world, people say that "the first million is always the hardest." In recruiting, that can be translated as "the first commit is always the hardest." Not that actually getting the first is any easier or harder than the others; the staff still has to put in the requisite amount of work. But once that first verbal commitment is made, fans breath a bit easier and the recruiting season really starts to pick up.

OL Anthony Stanko commits to Penn State

In one of the earliest commitments we've seen in years, offensive lineman Anthony Stanko (Warren, OH/Warren HS) verbally committed to Penn State today. He is the first verbal for the 2012 class.

Stanko was also being pursued by Ohio State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Wisconsin, West Virginia among others. He was recruited by Jay Paterno.

More to come.

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