Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1410640
5 6 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M position. He improved on his 40 at Pitt's camp, turning in a 4.51-second time. The Bridgeville, Pa., native returned for two more visits to Penn State, one in June and then again in July for the Lasch Bash barbecue. He was also ex- pected to return for the game against Auburn Sept. 18. Penn State fans have reason to feel good about the staff's chances with Payne, who ranks No. 228 nationally. In fact, he could be someone to watch for an early commitment. Ta'Mere Robinson | OLB Robinson is the top-ranked junior in Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh native picked up an offer from the Nittany Lions in April 2020, so this relationship has been growing for a while now. Al- though he predominantly played safety his sophomore year, he added 15 to 20 pounds during the offseason, meaning that he's likely to be a linebacker at the next level. Robinson made two trips to Penn State this summer, attending a junior day June 5 before returning July 31 for the Lasch Bash barbecue. Sources in- dicated that the staff was excited about its chances with Robinson following that second visit, although it's obvi- ously still early. Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Pitt all hosted him on campus this summer. Those schools, along with Penn State, should be con- sidered his favorites at the moment, although he hasn't announced a top group. "Literally everything stood out," Robinson said following his visit to Penn State in June. "The facilities, it was my first time seeing them, and the interaction with all of the coaches. I love the facilities, and they're about to extend the weight room." Robinson ranks 59th overall nation- ally and sixth at outside linebacker. He checks in at 6-3, 220 pounds. Rahmir Stewart | Safety Stewart, who attends Imhotep Char- ter in Philadelphia, released his top 12 in August, and the list included Penn State, Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Georgia and Texas A&M. He did make it to Penn State's cam- pus this summer, when Imhotep par- ticipated in the Lion Strong 7-on-7 tournament at the end of June. How- ever, Stewart didn't play that day. The 6-0, 185-pound prospect spent some time with the staff, but it was a very busy weekend with official visitors also on campus. That's why the Nittany Li- ons have to get him back at some point for a more formal visit. As far as true unofficial visits this summer, we know he went to Texas A&M earlier in June. Aside from that, he's been pretty quiet. From talking to colleagues and coaches, I get the im- pression that Stewart has a long way to go still and is just getting started with his recruitment. Getting him inside Beaver Stadium for a game this season will be important. Stewart ranks 124th overall nation- ally and eighth at safety. Josiah Trotter | ILB Trotter is the son of former Phila- delphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. The St. Joseph's Prep pros- pect is ahead of most players at this stage, having elected to narrow his list to four schools at the end of June: Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson and South Carolina. But a commitment doesn't appear to be in the works any- time soon, and we expect him to visit all four of those programs again for games this season. Penn State hosted Trotter twice this summer, once in June and again in July for the Lasch Bash barbecue. "It was really nice," Trotter said fol- lowing his visit in June, "especially how they have the academic center. It's really nice how they have it set up where they help their students thrive throughout their education. And the football facility is pretty close. You don't have to go super far. It's just a re- ally beautiful campus." Trotter's older brother Jeremiah Jr. will suit up for Clemson this fall, and that's why many believe the Tigers hold an edge here. Ohio State is very much a threat, too, so he won't be easy to land. But getting him back on campus for a second visit was a very important step for Penn State. Listed at 6-2, 225 pounds, Trotter is ranked as the No. 112 overall prospect and No. 7 inside linebacker nationally by Rivals, which also rated him as the No. 4 player in the state. ■ Linebacker Josiah Trotter, the son of former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler Jeremiah Trotter, has narrowed his list down to Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson and South Carolina. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM