Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1538407
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5 5 7 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M You won't find many recruits who were as open about wanting to be part of Penn State's 2026 class as three-star offensive lineman Benjamin Eziuka. After picking up a verbal offer from offensive line coach Phil Trautwein in July 2024, the Detroit native did everything right to reach his ultimate goal. Not only did Eziuka visit Penn State four times after his junior season ended, he also took Trautwein's advice every step of the way. Last year, the 6-foot-3 interior lineman came to State College weighing 325 pounds. He performed well in a camp setting, but the staff knew he would fare even better if he dropped some weight in anticipation of eventually building him- self back up in a college strength program. Eziuka took that advice, shedding 30 pounds this past offseason. He returned to PSU earlier this year and was more mo- bile and even stronger than before. "When I camped there last summer and got the offer, it was my biggest offer at the time, and it still is," said Eziuka, who is listed by Rivals at 295 pounds. "That was re- ally exciting for me, and it really sparked my in- terest in them. "I went through my season, took the visit for the White Out game and then just took a couple months to feel out the process and get some new offers. But it was always Penn State for me. I narrowed it down to Penn State and Stanford, but the big thing for me was that I knew Penn State was the best fit from a development and culture perspective." Heading into his senior season at Cath- olic Central High, Eziuka is listed by Rivals as the No. 70 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class and No. 8 prospect in Michigan. He's eager to be part of a win- ning culture in college and wants to be surrounded by like-minded people who will help him achieve his goals. Eziuka knew he'd find all that with the Nittany Lions. "They have the kind of culture I want to be a part of," he said. "I love how, once you join them, you're welcomed back there anytime you want. That's the kind of culture you need to have to be a win- ning program." — Ryan Snyder If there was one theme that charac- terized Jaziel Hart's recruitment, it was consistency. In both his camp perfor- mances and media appearances, the four-star cornerback from Roanoke, Va., was as steadfast as they come. In keeping with that theme, Hart's top schools never really changed. When he picked up an offer from Penn State in June 2024, he made it clear that it was a keystone moment in his recruitment. Then, when Michigan offered nine days later, he was open and honest about its significance as well. This past January, Hart admitted that this was primarily a battle between the Nittany Lions and Wolverines. After a junior day trip to State College, Penn State appeared to pull ahead. However, it took a few months longer than some observers expected for the Lions to jump the Wolverines on his list. "Honestly, Michigan was the favorite for a long time. They were probably the favorite for almost the entire process," Hart said. "I would say that was the case until … maybe some time around March." Michigan's recruiting efforts were being hindered in the spring by concerns about the NCAA's po- tential response to its sign-stealing scandal. However, Hart said the key factor in his deci- sion to join Penn State's class on May 22 was the consistency of defensive backs coaches Terry Smith and Anthony Poindexter. "I just felt like my connection with [Michigan] wasn't staying at the level it was with Penn State," Hart said. "Penn State was always checking up on me. Then, when I went up to Penn State again in April, that was a good visit because I really saw what it's going to be like." Heading into his senior season at North Cross School, Hart is listed by On3 as the No. 34 cornerback nationally and No. 8 player in Virginia. — Ryan Snyder COMMITMENT PROFILE BENJAMIN EZIUKA COMMITMENT PROFILE JAZIEL HART Michigan Lineman Achieves Goal With PSU Commitment Penn State's Message Resonated With Virginia Cornerback Penn State tried out Benjamin Eziuka at center during his camp visit, which makes me lean toward that being a natural fit for him down the line. He's a very smart football player with a high floor, so maybe he could break that curve and be one of the rare players who spends his entire career at center. If not, he can start at guard before transitioning to center later on. While he may be a three-star prospect, Eziuka is one of PSU's most well-rounded recruits in recent memory. Does he have elite, game-changing upside? Maybe not, but it would be a surprise if he didn't turn into a quality lineman who helps this team in the future. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N Jaziel Hart could play in the slot, but his best spot at Penn State is likely to be outside cornerback. He'll need to improve his athletic profile slightly to cross the high bar set by Terry Smith's other out- side corners, but he's an excellent football player. He's clearly a fierce competitor who doesn't back down from a challenge of any size on the field. It's smart to bet on those players, especially when they show a high IQ and understanding of the game. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N