3 OL Commits on the Way?

Joey O’Connor (Windsor, Colorado)

Penn State has already secured OL commitments from JJ Denman (4 stars on Rivals, Scout and ESPN) and Anthony Stanko (3 stars on Rivals, Scout and ESPN.)  Considering that they have limited room for offensive linemen in this class, and that they have a commitment from 2-way OL/DL Brian Gaia, one may think that the staff would have cooled down on OL recruits.

But that has not been the case.  And now it appears that 3 OL are ready to make their decision, and it is likely that the Nittany Lions may be each one of their top choices.

The first to commit may be Windsor, Colorado product Joey O’Connor.  O’Connor (4 stars on Rivals and ESPN, 3 stars on Scout) has said in the past that he would like to wait to make a commitment, but recent events may signal a change in plans.  He and his coach will be flying into Happy Valley this week-end to meet with the coaches and take part in a senior camp.  They will also be staying with a friend in Centre County, and reports have O’Connor meeting up with several members of the 1986 National Championship team, who his high school coach played against as a member of the ECU squad.  With all that’s going on this week-end, it is very likely that O’Connor will be a Nittany Lion before it’s all over.

Another OL prospect who is ready to make his decision is Nashville, TN prospect Blake Bars, brother of current Penn State LB Brad Bars.  Blake Bars (4 stars on Rivals, 3 stars on ESPN and Scout) grew up in Michigan and has family in the area, and this is believed to be a UM vs PSU battle.  His most recent college visit was to Ann Arbor, but many believe he is still a Penn State lean.  Regardless, he would like to make a decision in the next two weeks, and things look good for the blue and white.

Where things get dicey now is with OL Chris Muller, from Boyertown, PA.  Chris Muller (4 stars on Rivals and ESPN, 3 stars on Scout) is arguably the best of the three, and has had Penn State at the top of his list for a while now.  Rumor is that he has wanted to commit to Penn State for a while now, but his parents (both PSU alums) would like him to visit more schools.  The problem is that there is only so much room at the OL Inn of State College, and he may be left out.

The only two that are guaranteed scholarships are the next two to commit, and with all of them expected to do so in the next two weeks, this can be a fun or bumpy ride for Nittany Nation.  One thing is for sure though: this already stellar class is about to get a little bit bigger.