Penn State football set for major recruiting weekend
It's the third week of June, and while no games are taking place on the field, many programs are duking it out to secure the services of the nation's top talents.
A summer prior, Penn State thrived during June and July, landing 12 commitments that led it to having the eighth-best class in 247Sports’ 2022 recruiting rankings.
Jumping to today, James Franklin’s 2023 class is appearing just as good — if not better — sitting as the fifth-ranked class in the nation.
Along with their commits visiting during the first two weeks of June, the Nittany Lions have hosted five four-stars, including running back Treyuan Webb, offensive lineman Evan Link, defensive tackle Jason Moore and safeties Elliot Washington and DaKaari Nelson.
Here’s a look at six players set to visit State College this weekend.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Iowa
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 318 pounds, Kaydn Proctor headlines the talent visiting Happy Valley over the weekend.
Proctor displays all the skills of an elite blindside protector and sits as the No. 10 player and the second-best offensive tackle in the nation.
Penn State has had success recruiting on the offensive line securing five-star guard Alex Birchmeier and four-star tackle Jven Williams, who will both be on campus on the weekend.
With three commits on the line already, the Nittany Lions are assembling a talented core that could only get better if Birchmeier and Williams successfully convince Proctor to commit.
However, many signs suggest that the Des Moines, Iowa, native will stay home as he has taken 12 combined visits to Iowa and Iowa State, with seven being with the Hawkeyes.
A successful first visit in June could sway Proctor’s opinion in favor of the blue and white.
Derrick LeBlanc, DT, Florida
The Nittany Lions have had a lot of success recruiting players from the Sunshine State, and that trend could continue with Derrick LeBlanc.
In their 2022 class, they landed three players from Florida, including fellow defensive tackle Zane Durant, and two already in 2023 in quarterback Marcus Stokes and safety Conrad Hussey.
LeBlanc possesses an ideal frame at 6-foot-4 plus and 265-pounds and is the seventh-best defensive tackle and the No. 77 player in the class.
The Kissimmee, Florida, native might be inclined to stay home and play for his hometown Florida Gators, but if things go well on his visit, LeBlanc may continue the Florida to Happy Valley connection.
Ta’Mere Robinson, LB, Pennsylvania
Penn State has done an excellent job keeping the best prospects from Pennsylvania to stay in the state.
The Nittany Lions have 12 commitments, with five being from in-state products, but missed out on the second-best player from Pennsylvania in four-star wide receiver Rodney Gallagher who went to West Virginia.
The blue and white can’t let that happen again with Ta’Mere Robinson.
Robinson has been a player Franklin's program has targeted for a while, and this weekend marks his eighth visit to Happy Valley.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native upcoming visit to Penn State might be the deciding factor between choosing Penn State or in-state rival Pittsburgh.
Tony Rojas, LB, Virginia
Along with Robinson, fellow four-star linebacker Tony Rojas is making the trek to Happy Valley for his official visit.
Rojas is another player that has been on the blue and white’s radar for several months, with this weekend marking his sixth visit this year.
Last weekend Rojas canceled his visit with Miami to the surprise of many, but he is still considering Clemson, Virginia Tech and Georgia.
Once recruited by former defensive coordinator Brent Pry, Rojas is now one of the main focuses for new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and safeties coach Anthony Poindexter.
King Mack, S, Florida
LeBlanc isn’t the only player from the Sunshine State coming to Happy Valley this weekend, as four-star safety King Mack will be joining him.
Mack is an intriguing prospect for the blue and white and has gained attention as a 247Sports’ Crystal Ball prediction has Mack becoming a Nittany Lion.
Mack goes to high school at St. Thomas Aquinas, the same school as Hussey.
The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native is the No. 21 safety in the class, with his main two suitors being Penn State and Michigan State.
Landon Montgomery, RB, Pennsylvania
The blue and white has had success recruiting in-state running backs during Franklin’s tenure, and it is in the mix for another.
Three-star Landon Montgomery ranks as the No. 408 player in the class and the seventh-best player from Pennsylvania.
Montgomery recruiting picked up significantly in 2022, and he sits with 19 offers, including Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State.
While many fans' eyes are drawn to the four-star Webb, Montgomery is a solid back who plays with a lot of force despite being 5-foot-10.
Alex Rocco is a rising third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email afr5646@psu.edu.
