Matt Campbell has been officially introduced as the 17th head coach in Penn State Football History. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
Just before the nationwide snow storm rolls into State College, Penn State hosted several key recruits for their “Junior Day”. Penn State was set to host over 15 recruits on campus, but the snow claimed a few visitors. Among those visitors that didn’t make the trip to Happy Valley was Kemon Spell.
Despite Spell not making the trip, several other talented recruits did make it to Happy Valley for the day.
“A New, Restored Love for Penn State”
Quite possibly one of the nation’s top 2028 prospects, George Parkinson made the trip westward to Penn State. The Malvern Prep defender left feeling “more confident” about Penn State.
“It was great. It was definitely different in a good way.” Parkinson described. “The staff was very welcoming. I really liked seeing the new facilities.”
“They all were very personable.” Parkinson went onto describe. “I definitely felt the love. I really liked coach Campbell. He was very personable and I liked what he had to say about the future of Penn state.”
Overall, leaving the visit Parkinson was very impressed with Penn State.
“It made me feel a lot more confident in their program.”
Visiting with Parkinson was one of the more exciting prospects in the class of 2028 was on campus for Junior Day. Mcdonogh product, RJ Cruz III made the trip and had a lot of good things to say about his time with the new coaching staff.
“I would describe the visit as very personable, exciting, and a new, restored love and feeling for Penn State,” Cruz told Nittanycentral. ” The overall vibes felt like family and I’m all about getting developed and having to work hard to earn everything. While the last Penn State staff was there I felt a feeling of home and I lost that after they left, but now with this new staff I feel that feeling even more and am excited to develop a great relationship.”
Additionally, Cruz got some one on one time with the new head coach at Penn State, Matt Campbell.
“I talked to everyone basically and got some one on one time with Coach Campbell.” Cruz said. “It was a great experience and eye opener to see how humble and how his morals operate. The D-Line coach and assistant coach showed a lot of love and honestly feel like family.”
For Cruz, Penn State is firmly in the mix early in his recruitment.
In addition to Cruz, 2028 in-state standout Wide Receiver, Owen Johnson left Penn State feeling good.
“The visit was great.” Johnson said. “I got to know all the coaches better and learned the culture of Penn State.”
Johnson noted that he would love to go back to Happy Valley at some point.
“Looking forward to coming up here again.” Johnson said.
Credit – Lloyd McCully
Wrestling Catches 2027 OL Kyler Kuhn’s Eye
One of the top Offensive Lineman in the class of 2027, Kyler Kuhn also enjoyed his visit to Penn State.
Coming from Missouri, Kuhn arrived in State College on Friday. “I got in on Friday, got to spend the day with coach [Jackson Scott-Brown]. We went to the [wrestling] dual last night and did the junior day today.” Kuhn said. As a state champion wrestler, Kuhn really liked the wrestling dual. “It was cool to watch”.
Kuhn was also able to chat with Campbell in his office for a while today.
“He just talked about the new direction that Penn State is headed.” Kuhn said. “He is going to turn this program into something different, while also honoring the rich traditions that Penn State has.”
The Nittany Lions will be competing with the likes of Iowa, Oregon, Missouri, and several others for Kuhn.
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Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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