TimesLeader.com

February 5, 2009

PSU RECRUITS

By Derek Levarse dlevarse@timesleader.com
Sports Reporter

Mark Arcidiacono

Position: Offensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-4 1/2 , 287 pounds

Hometown: Philadelphia

High school: St. Joseph’s Prep

Scout ranking: **** / #22 OT

Rivals ranking: ** / unranked OT

Lead recruiter: Ron Vanderlinden

Chose PSU over: Notre Dame, Florida, WVU

The skinny: There’s a surprising disparity in his rankings, but most telling is that some of the top programs in the country offered him. More may have come had he not committed to PSU as early as last April. Will likely start out as a tackle, as PSU doesn’t put a premium on size at OT like many other Big Ten schools. Is the oldest of eight kids in a Penn State-crazy family.

Justin Brown

Position: Wide receiver

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds

Hometown: Wilmington, Del.

High school: Concord

Scout ranking: **** / #9 WR

Rivals ranking: **** / #30 WR

Lead recruiter: Ron Vanderlinden

Chose PSU over: Rutgers, B.C., Oregon

The skinny: Last but not least. PSU’s 27th and final commitment came on signing day and is one of the more important recruits of the class. One of only two pure receivers in the class, he figures to have the best chance to make an immediate impact out of all the new wideouts. May have the best combo of size and speed out of the current roster.

Nate Cadogan

Position: Offensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-6, 280 pounds

Hometown: Portsmouth, Ohio

High school: Portsmouth

Scout ranking: *** / #84 OT

Rivals ranking: *** / #57 OT

Lead recruiter: Jay Paterno

Chose PSU over: Purdue, Cincinnati, Syracuse

The skinny: Brother of just-departed starting left tackle Gerald Cadogan. Grew comfortable with PSU on repeated trips to watch his brother play. Could conceivably play offense or defense but will start out on the offensive line for the Lions. Shares a number of traits with his older brother, most notably his frame and athleticism.

Glenn Carson

Position: Linebacker

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-3, 220 pounds

Hometown: Manahawkin, N.J.

High school: Southern Regional

Scout ranking: **** / #7 MLB

Rivals ranking: **** / #13 ILB

Lead recruiter: Ron Vanderlinden

Chose PSU over: Rutgers, Notre Dame, B.C.

The skinny: As impressive in the classroom as he is on the field, drawing additional offers from Stanford, Virginia and Northwestern, among others. Was ultimately swayed by attending PSU’s night game against Illinois last season. A prototypical middle linebacker with good instincts who also happens to be one of Jersey’s top wrestlers at 215.

Curtis Drake

Position: Wide receiver

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot, 175 pounds

Hometown: Philadelphia

High school: West Catholic

Scout ranking: *** / #59 CB

Rivals ranking: ** / unranked ATH

Lead recruiter: Ron Vanderlinden

Chose PSU over: Georgia Tech, Northwestern

The skinny: Played quarterback at West Catholic and was a yard away from a two-point conversion in overtime from leading the Burrs to the state Class 2A title in the school’s first season as a member of the PIAA. Could play several positions, but projects as a slot receiver at PSU. Ran for more than 1,500 yards and 20-plus TDs as a senior.

Curtis Dukes

Position: Running back

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-2, 230 pounds

Hometown: Philadelphia, N.Y.

High school: Indian River

Scout ranking: **** / #32 RB

Rivals ranking: *** / #16 FB

Lead recruiter: Mike McQueary

Chose PSU over: Pitt, Syracuse, Buffalo

The skinny: When your high school is practically in Canada, it’s hard to get noticed. But Dukes’ tapes began to circulate in his senior season – after he had committed to PSU – and he shot up the rankings. Shows some good speed for a big man but prefers to run defenders over, resembling former PSU star Tony Hunt.

Brandon Felder

Position: Wide receiver

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-3, 165 pounds

Hometown: Oxon Hill, Md.

High school: Oxon Hill

Scout ranking: *** / #76 WR

Rivals ranking: *** / #52 WR

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Ohio State, Maryland, B.C.

The skinny: Was slated to possibly see the field as a true freshman at PSU before tearing multiple knee ligaments in his senior season. PSU coaches may ask him to grayshirt – hold off enrolling until January 2010 – to save a scholarship for this year’s class while allowing him to rehab his knee before his eligibility clock starts.

Anthony Fera

Position: Kicker

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-2, 230 pounds

Hometown: Houston, Texas

High school: St. Pius X

Scout ranking: *** / #2 K

Rivals ranking: *** / #2 K

Lead recruiter: Mike McQueary

Chose PSU over: Michigan, Ohio State, KSU

The skinny: Has already enrolled at PSU and looks set to follow Kevin Kelly as another four-year starter. But Fera looks more like a linebacker than the pint-sized Kelly and looks to have an even stronger leg. Initially committed to Michigan in the summer before visiting PSU for the Illinois night game and reversing field.

Frank Figueroa

Position: Offensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-4, 280 pounds

Hometown: Alexandria, Va.

High school: Edison

Scout ranking: ** / #59 OG

Rivals ranking: ** / unranked OG

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: UVA, Rutgers, UNC

The skinny: Moved around constantly growing up because of his father’s army job, shifting between several states and countries, all of which slowed his development. Stuck around in Alexandria after his father retired and got his first major college offer from PSU, which he quickly jumped on. Will likely start off as a guard.

Garry Gilliam

Position: Defensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-6 1/2 , 255 pounds

Hometown: Hershey

High school: Milton Hershey School

Scout ranking: *** / #41 TE

Rivals ranking: ** / unranked SDE

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Pitt, UVA, UConn

The skinny: Played TE and DE at Milton Hershey – where PSU also found an underrated lineman named Abe Koroma – and could end up at either spot in Happy Valley. With the early departures of Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans, he’ll likely start on defense, but his tremendous height makes him an intriguing prospect on both sides of the ball.

Darrell Givens

Position: Defensive back

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-1, 175 pounds

Hometown: Indian Head, Md.

High school: Lackey

Scout ranking: **** / #11 CB

Rivals ranking: **** / #29 CB

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Ohio State, So. Carolina, Florida

The skinny: The most impressive of a large crop of DBs brought in by PSU. Initially chose the Buckeyes after landing more than 40 offers from the nation’s elite programs, including both teams in the national title game. Was pursued heavily to the end by other schools, particularly Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks. Earned an invite to the Under Armour All-America game. His height and instincts give him a shot to play as a true freshman in a secondary that has no returning starters. High school teammate of PSU recruit Malcolm Willis.

Adam Gress

Position: Offensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-7, 290 pounds

Hometown: West Mifflin

High school: West Mifflin

Scout ranking: *** / #54 OT

Rivals ranking: *** / #74 OT

Lead recruiter: Tom Bradley

Chose PSU over: WVU, Michigan, UVA

The skinny: The Lions’ lone recruit from WPIAL country grew into a very large frame as his high school career went along and ended up with a slew of offers after his junior season. Grew up as a Penn State fan and should start off with the tackles as a redshirt and look to crack the two-deep in 2010 after Dennis Landolt’s graduation.

Jordan Hill

Position: Defensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-3, 285 pounds

Hometown: Steelton

High school: Steelton-Highspire

Scout ranking: *** / #50 DT

Rivals ranking: ** / unranked DT

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Rutgers, Pitt, Temple

The skinny: Helped lead Steel-High to its second straight Class A state title with 80 tackles and seven sacks. Playing at a small school, the scholarship offers were slim, leading him to jump on one from Rutgers. Had second thoughts as other offers came in, first from Pitt and eventually from the school he was waiting on – PSU. Made the switch shortly after New Year’s and should start at DT.

Gerald Hodges

Position: Defensive back

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds

Hometown: Paulsboro, N.J.

High school: Paulsboro

Scout ranking: **** / #4 WLB

Rivals ranking: **** / #12 OLB

Lead recruiter: Ron Vanderlinden

Chose PSU over: Rutgers, WVU, Tennessee

The skinny: Helped start a late recruiting surge when he switched his commitment from Rutgers in December. Built like a linebacker but recruited to play strong safety for the Lions. Has already enrolled at PSU and is working out with the team. With a head start and no returning starters in the secondary, he could make a serious bid to start at safety for the Lions this year.

Ty Howle

Position: Offensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-1 1/2 , 290 pounds

Hometown: Bunn, N.C.

High school: Bunn

Scout ranking: *** / #11 C

Rivals ranking: *** / #9 C

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: UNC, NC State, UVA

The skinny: Was Penn State’s first verbal commitment of the class, pledging last March when his only other offers came from East Carolina and Navy. Selected to play in the Shrine Bowl, an all-star game between North Carolina and South Carolina high schoolers, in December. Already enrolled at Penn State and projects as a center from day one.

Shawney Kersey

Position: Wide receiver

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-2, 180 pounds

Hometown: Woodbury, N.J.

High school: Woodbury

Scout ranking: *** / #53 WR

Rivals ranking: *** / #55 WR

Lead recruiter: Ron Vanderlinden

Chose PSU over: Rutgers, WVU, UVA

The skinny: The last of three Rutgers verbals to change his commitment to PSU late in the process. Though the Lions have brought in multiple WRs to replace their departed starting trio, he is one of the few to play the position in high school. Good friend and new PSU classmate Gerald Hodges helped sway him away from the Scarlet Knights.

Christian Kuntz

Position: Wide receiver

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-4, 190 pounds

Hometown: Camp Hill

High school: Trinity

Scout ranking: ** / #166 WR

Rivals ranking: ** / unranked WR

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: UConn, Buffalo, Akron

The skinny: Committed in July with Notre Dame and Pitt showing interest in him as a safety but waiting on a scholarship offer. Took a Penn State offer, which fortunately came well before his senior season ended in October with a torn MCL. Was a main cog in Trinity’s rarely seen Wing-T offense, which featured him predominately as a running back.

Stephon Morris

Position: Defensive back

Ht./Wt.: 5-foot-9, 175 pounds

Hometown: Greenbelt, Md.

High school: Eleanor Roosevelt

Scout ranking: *** / #52 CB

Rivals ranking: *** / #64 CB

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Illinois, Louisville, Rutgers

The skinny: The hometown and high school will be familiar to PSU fans as being the alma mater of the now-departed Derrick Williams. High school teammate of fellow PSU recruit Derrick Thomas. Projects as a cornerback who makes up for his lack of height with good speed and a fluid technique.

Kevin Newsome

Position: Quarterback

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-3, 215 pounds

Hometown: Portsmouth, Va.

High school: Hargrave Military Academy

Scout ranking: **** / #10 QB

Rivals ranking: **** / #4 dual-threat QB

Lead recruiter: Bill Kenney

Chose PSU over: Va. Tech. B.C., Michigan

The skinny: Without question the most important recruit in PSU’s class as the first scholarship QB the Lions landed since 2006. That QB was Pat Devlin, and his departure left a comically large hole in the depth chart. As such, he is the de facto No. 2 QB for the 2009 season behind Daryll Clark and has already enrolled at PSU to start picking up the offense. Originally a Michigan commitment, he was Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez’s first choice to run his spread option offense, a compliment to the QB’s excellent athleticism. Reminiscent of another Virginia QB in Michael Robinson, he could prove to be the most dangerous runner PSU has ever had at the position. Was invited to play in the U.S. Army All-America game.

Stephen Obeng-Agyapong

Position: Defensive back

Ht./Wt.: 5-foot-10 1/2 , 175 pounds

Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.

High school: John F. Kennedy

Scout ranking: *** / #68 S

Rivals ranking: *** / #65 S

Lead recruiter: Kermit Buggs

Chose PSU over: Iowa, UConn, Maryland

The skinny: Used to play cornerback opposite current PSU tailback Stephfon Green at JFK High. Projects as a safety at PSU and excels as a tackler helping up in run support. Gives the Lions that intriguing, hyphenated name they’ve been missing since Phil Yeboah-Kodie graduated.

Eric Shrive

Position: Offensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-7, 300 pounds

Hometown: Scranton

High school: West Scranton

Scout ranking: ***** / #2 OT

Rivals ranking: **** / #11 OT

Lead recruiter: Dick Anderson

Chose PSU over: Notre Dame, Illinois, Ohio State

The skinny: They said he’d go to the sentimental favorite, Notre Dame. They said he’d join his former Invaders teammate Hubie Graham at Illinois. He chose Penn State. Pick a conference and a top team and he had an offer from there – Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida State, UCLA, Nebraska among the 40 or so that rolled in before he pledged to the Lions last May and became one of their most active recruiters. Though the Invaders struggled in 2008, he did not, picking up an invite to the U.S. Army All-America game in San Antonio and further improving his reputation as one of the nation’s toughest and most accomplished linemen.

Devon Smith

Position: Wide receiver

Ht./Wt.: 5-foot-7, 145 lbs.

Hometown: Waldorf, Md.

High school: Westlake

Scout ranking: *** / #133 WR

Rivals ranking: *** / #29 ATH

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Temple, Akron, EMU

The skinny: Had he been about three inches taller, he would have held offers from all of ACC country and perhaps beyond. As it was, schools like Boston College, Maryland and N.C. State held off while PSU rolled the dice and offered in September. The upside? He’s one of the fastest high schoolers in the country, recently running the 60-meter dash in 6.65 seconds. Will likely get his first shot as a return man.

Sean Stanley

Position: Defensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-2, 250 pounds

Hometown: Gaithersburg

High school: Gaithersburg

Scout ranking: *** / #26 DT

Rivals ranking: *** / #37 DT

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Nebraska, Michigan, Georgia

The skinny: Took a late visit to see the Huskers after committing to PSU back in May. The real question is whether he fits in as an end or a tackle, something that could change as his collegiate career goes on. Though many project him on the inside, he was an accomplished pass rusher in high school, and the Lions just lost a few of those.

Derrick Thomas

Position: Wide receiver

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot, 175 pounds

Hometown: Greenbelt, Md.

High school: Eleanor Roosevelt

Scout ranking: *** / #47 CB

Rivals ranking: **** / #28 CB

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Maryland, Illinois, Tennessee

The skinny: An accomplished cornerback, he likely will start his career in blue and white on offense as a receiver as PSU coaches try to figure out what they have there. Teammate of incoming PSU recruit Stephon Morris, with both hailing from Derrick Williams’ alma mater. His mother had reservations about PSU after August’s infamous “Outside the Lines” program, but he stuck with the Lions.

John Urschel

Position: Offensive lineman

Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-3, 270 pounds

Hometown: Buffalo, N.Y.

High school: Canisius

Scout ranking: ** / #106 OG

Rivals ranking: ** / unranked OG

Lead recruiter: Mike McQueary

Chose PSU over: B.C, Stanford, Syracuse

The skinny: Easily the “quietest” recruit in the class, he was barely even listed as existing by many recruiting services until he took a visit to PSU in January and it was revealed he had offers from some academic heavyweights. Very athletic for his size, he could also play DT but will start out at PSU as a guard.

Michael Wallace

Position: Defensive back

Ht./Wt.: 5-foot-9 1/2 , 180 lbs.

Hometown: Olney, Md.

High school: Our Lady of Good Counsel

Scout ranking: * / unranked CB

Rivals ranking: ** / unranked CB

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Stanford, New Mexico, Army

The skinny: No, it’s surely not a coincidence that PSU’s lowest-rated recruit happens to share the same high school as his good friend, All-Everything linebacker Jelani Jenkins. He got his offer from the Lions very late in the process, almost certainly in an attempt to try and land Jenkins, but to no avail. Likely PSU’s first choice to ask to grayshirt, should the need arise.

Malcolm Willis

Position: Defensive back

Ht./Wt.: 5-foot-11, 205 pounds

Hometown: Indian Head, Md.

High school: Lackey

Scout ranking: *** / #78 S

Rivals ranking: *** / #68 S

Lead recruiter: Larry Johnson

Chose PSU over: Maryland, Illinois, UVA

The skinny: Committed last April after PSU gave him his first major offer. Will likely start his Lions career as a safety and in the defensive backfield with Lackey teammate and incoming recruit Darrell Givens. Projects more as a strong safety and was often used in blitz packages in high school.