Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1526526
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 4 5 5 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Standing 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, Spell became the first player to join Penn State's 2027 class when he committed to the Lions on Aug. 2, just prior to the start of his sophomore year at McKees- port High. While the rankings are certain to change between now and December 2026 when Spell will be able to sign his let- ter of intent, his early film has put him in position to be the undisputed top run- ning back in his class. That was evident in late August when On3 named him the No. 1 running back in the nation for the 2027 recruiting cycle and the No. 7 overall prospect nationally. Spell is a four-star player with potential to earn a five-star grade, and he may end up being the most highly rated running back prospect of the Franklin era at Penn State. On3 scout Cody Bellaire said Spell "has every box checked when it comes to positional traits at the running back position." Elaborating on the young prospect's high rating, Bellaire noted that Spell has already demonstrated impressive ver- satility. "His ability as a runner between the tackles, on outside runs and as a pass catcher is way beyond his years," Bellaire said. "Even as one of the younger 2027 prospects, his athleticism shines on the football field on both sides of the ball as a running back and defensive back for his high school program. "He catches the ball effectively and has a knack for making explosive plays, averaging 14 yards per carry and scoring 12 total touchdowns as a freshman. We're excited for his physical and athletic de- velopment as he matures and grows throughout his high school career. The sky is the limit for him." The Right Fit Spell had a standout performance at Penn State's July 27 White Out Camp. He has an excellent frame and is al- ready on the same level as many of the region's older running back prospects from an athletic standpoint, having run a 4.6-second 40-yard dash and broad jumped more than 9 feet. With nearly three full seasons still to go in his high school career, he should only improve on those numbers in the coming years. Spell was just as quick when it came to making a decision about where he wanted to spend his college career. He had been following the Nittany Lions for years and was thrilled to receive a schol- arship offer from the staff. "I loved Penn State growing up. That's the offer I was waiting for," Spell said. "Once I saw the love they were show- ing, and since I grew up liking them and wanting to get that offer, that's why I picked them immediately." Spell said his admiration for the school only grew when he was able to get better acquainted with the coaching staff last fall and then again in July at the Lasch Bash Barbecue. "Once I started growing up, I real- ized that it's more than just watching a good team on TV. You really have to get to campus and get around their coaches," he said. "Just because they're a good team doesn't mean they're good coaches for you. Once I got older and got around Penn State, I learned that they have great coaches and are a great school." Penn State won't be able to initiate conversations with 2027 prospects un- til next June, but Spell said he took the lead in his own recruitment, contact- ing PSU's coaches after their interest became clear. "I was talking to Coach Terry [Smith]," Spell said. "I kept in touch with him some, and then once I got up there, I got to know Coach [Ja'Juan] Seider more. Ever since I committed, that relationship with Coach Seider and all their coaches has been great." Spell went on to add, "It's really all about the love they show their guys. I was there for just one day for the Lasch Bash, but the love they showed was in- credible. Also, I did want to get it out of the way early. I felt like I knew what I wanted to do once I got the offer, and then being around their coaches, it only made me want to be there more. It's all about the kids with them. They love the school and they want to win, but they're always putting the kids and their devel- opment first." A Two-Way Player During his freshman season, Spell totaled 579 yards on only 42 carries (13.8 yards per attempt), while scor- ing 9 rushing touchdowns. He also had 8 receptions for 124 yards and 2 more scores, according to the Pittsburgh Tri- bune-Review. This year, he's once again splitting carries in McKeesport's Wing-T offense with senior Anthony Boyd, who's com- mitted to play at PennWest California, a nearby Division II school. Spell is also a key contributor on de- fense. He's primarily playing safety but will see action in a hybrid linebacker role when needed. Following an 11-2 finish in 2023, the Tigers bring back just four starters on offense. They dropped their opener against Lake (Ohio) High, 36-35, on Aug. 23, with Spell totaling 84 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 9 carries. In a 42-7 loss to Peters Township the fol- lowing week, Spell was held to 20 yards on 5 attempts. Amid McKeesport's overhaul, Spell has done his part to keep morale high. "I have to be a leader for my team this year," he said. "I have to step up for them because I don't like it when we get down and I see my teammates holding their heads. For me, it's all about encouraging them to keep fighting." ■ "I loved Penn State growing up. That's the offer I was waiting for. Once I saw the love they were showing, and since I grew up liking them and wanting to get that offer, that's why I picked them immediately." S P E L L