Blue White Illustrated

visits. We expect his next trip to be for the game against Maryland at the end of the month. Julian Fleming WR, 6-3, 175 Catawissa, Pa. Southern Columbia Fleming is one of Penn State's top five overall targets in the Class of 2020. Not only is he the best wide receiver prospect in the mid-Atlantic region, but he also lives less than 100 miles from State College, so he's a must-get for Franklin and his staff. This season, he's attended four of the six games in Beaver Stadium and has taken nine visits to University Park since June 2017. Georgia and Ohio State are two other programs he is considering, but all signs point to the Nittany Lions here. The fact that he's been on campus so often in re- cent months leads us to believe that there's a real chance he could end his re- cruitment this winter. Theo Johnson TE, 6-5, 235 Windsor, Ontario Holy Names Like Dottin, Johnson emerged this past summer when he turned in an excellent performance at the staff's final camp in July. Future Penn State tight end Brenton Strange also camped that day, and John- son was arguably just as good or better, so it was no surprise when Franklin and tight ends coach Tyler Bowen extended an offer before he left town. Johnson then returned for the game against Iowa last month and raved about the atmos- phere. He even noted that the rain that day may have actually helped Penn State's chances, as the fan support on such a cold, rainy day far exceeded his expectations. Johnson lives within two hours of Michigan and Michigan State, and both the Wolverines and Spartans are showing interest, so that's some- thing to watch. That said, he has a more firmly established relationship with Bowen, Franklin and the entire Nittany Lion staff than with every other school that is pursuing him at this point. Jordan Morant Saf., 6-0, 190 Oradell, N.J. Bergen Catholic Morant earned an offer from the Lions back in February when he attended one of the staff's junior days. He returned in July for the Lasch Bash and spoke very highly of the experience. While he didn't directly say that Penn State was the team to beat, Morant gave several media members that impression, in- cluding myself. He did add two big of- fers from Alabama and Stanford in September, so that could be something to watch after the season. Morant has already said that he plans to see as many schools as possible this spring, so a commitment before the end of April ap- pears to be possible. Even if he does enjoy his visits elsewhere, Penn State's proximity to home should play a role in his eventual decision. We like the Lions' chances here. Aaryn Parks OL, 6-5, 310 Fort Washington, Md. National Christian Academy Parks is another prospect who emerged this summer following a very good performance at one of the staff's camps. He has since taken two addi- tional visits to campus, first for the Lasch Bash in July and then again in September for the game against Ohio State. Following the barbecue, Parks said, "I'm really feeling Penn State. It was so great. I didn't even want to go home. I can most definitely see Penn State in my top five, my top three, my top two, maybe even committing there." His trip for the White Out produced a similar response. In fact, since earning an offer from the Lions, Penn State is the only school he's visited. Parks is some- one we'll be watching closely the next time he makes it to campus. ■ 2020 PROSPECT Morant poses with PSU assis- tant coach David Corley. Photo courtesy of Morant family

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