Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1530530
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 5 5 9 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M J ames Franklin and his staff aren't wasting any time when it comes to building up next year's class. On Dec. 6, the same day they landed four-star 2025 tight end Andrew Olesh, the Nittany Lions picked up a commitment from a top wide receiver target in the 2026 class, Jerquaden Guilford of Northrop High in Fort Wayne, Ind. Listed at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Guilford received offers from Miami and Louisville early in 2024, but he saw his recruit- ment really take off last sum- mer after Ohio State extended an offer following a camp ap- pearance. Pitt and Tennessee followed within a week, while Penn State was able to get him to State College for its White Out Camp and Lasch Bash Bar- becue at the end of July. Guilford didn't disappoint, running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash while also test- ing well in other key metrics. Penn State extended its offer by the time he left cam- pus, and the Nittany Lion coaches and recruiting staff made him a priority pros- pect in the months that followed. Among the schools that were pursuing him at the time were Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan State, West Virginia and Wisconsin, but Penn State's staff made a strong impression. "We had great conversations," Guil- ford said prior to his announcement. "The whole coaching staff is down to earth and consistent as well as confident in what they can, and will, do. Their per- sonalities and resumes show in the ways they carry themselves and treat their players." Guilford was limited in where he could visit this fall, but he did go to Ohio State in October for its win over Iowa. He then came back to State College in late November to watch Penn State defeat Maryland. That was his first experience inside Beaver Stadium. "The visit was amazing," Guilford said. "They treated me as if I was fam- ily. One of their big focuses is relation- ships, and I'm a family guy. They are a top-10 school each year, and they're also very competitive and productive. The whole coaching staff welcomed me and my family, and that's what it's about — maintaining those key relationships." Guilford is the third wide re- ceiver to join Penn State's 2026 class. The Nittany Lions had already received commitments from Delaware native Jahsiear Rogers and Maryland prospect Lavar Keys. Guilford had 35 receptions for 556 yards and 3 touch- downs in nine games this fall at Northrop. He has received three stars from On3's scouts and in the On3 Industry Rank- ing, which averages the grades from the four major recruiting websites. The Industry Rank- ing lists him as the No. 419 overall prospect and No. 63 wide receiver nationally, and the No. 2 recruit in Indiana. Dre Muhammad, an elite trainer who runs a Separa- tion Development Program, has worked with many of the best wideouts to come out of Indiana in the past decade, and he likes what Guil- ford will bring to Penn State, noting that he's reminiscent of Ohio State freshman Mylan Graham. "While there's always room for growth and refinement, his natural talent and competitive spirit set him apart," Mu- hammad noted. "He possesses an elite receiver skill set and thrives on compe- tition, consistently elevating his perfor- mance as the stakes rise. "Standing between 6-2 and 6-3, he runs a verified low 4.5. ... His stride length is exceptional, allowing him to cover significant ground effortlessly. Be- yond his technical abilities, he's a physi- cal presence who isn't afraid to block, is tough to bring down, and embraces every aspect of his development. "Jerquaden is also maturing mentally, learning from those who came before him to adopt a professional mindset in his preparation and approach. He is un- doubtedly among the top 15 receivers in the 2026 class." ■ Indiana Receiver Joins Lions' 2026 Class RYA N S N Y D E R | RYA N . S N Y D E R @ O N 3 . C O M Guilford committed to the Nittany Lions a week after attending their regular-season finale against Maryland. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER For a junior wide receiver to move the way Jerquaden Guilford does is impres- sive. What you can see on film is that he's a hands catcher and has good route-running skills. This is a guy who is 6-foot-2 and can run good routes and change directions well. He has an understanding of the position. Also, with him being able to go over the top and look natural catching the football, you've got a lot of really positive markers for a recruit. We're talking about a guy that Alabama and Ohio State wanted. He's got so many of the markers you want to see on film, and it doesn't take long to see them. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N COMMITMENT PROFILE JERQUADEN GUILFORD