Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1544665
M A Y 2 0 2 6 5 3 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M G rowing up in Pittsburgh, Jon Sassic couldn't help but pay attention to Penn State. He watched as Saquon Bar- kley and Trace McSorley led the Nittany Lions back to national prominence 10 years ago, and when he developed into a high-level football prospect himself, he hoped to receive a scholarship offer from PSU. That offer came in March. The three- star lineman from Central Catholic High was visiting campus when head coach Matt Campbell and assistant Ryan Clan- ton gave him the news he had been eagerly awaiting. "This offer means a lot to me, especially being from two hours away in Pittsburgh," Sassic said. "I have former teammates who are still there playing who would al- ways brighten the mood for me. It's defi- nitely an amazing opportunity. "My aunt, uncle and cousin all went to Penn State, and I grew up watching Sa- quon and Trace McSorley, who were both phenomenal." On April 19, Sassic followed through on the Lions' invitation, announcing he had chosen them over Pitt, Virginia Tech and West Virginia, among others. The 6-foot- 7, 280-pound prospect is listed by Rivals as the No. 85 interior lineman nationally and No. 30 prospect in Pennsylvania. Central Catholic head coach Ryan Leh- meier described Sassic as being "mature beyond his years." "He's a leader," Lehmeier said. "One of the things we talk about a lot is that our best leaders are often our biggest people, and he fits that bill. Jon has really taken on the leadership and ownership of be- ing a kid who's been around our program for a while. He's been doing things the right way and is a phenomenal student. He represents everything our program is about." Sassic's recruitment didn't start to take off until after his junior season. Following his trip to Penn State, he headed south for visits to NC State, Virginia Tech, Mary- land and Florida State. After returning home, Sassic made a second visit to PSU on April 4. That's when it became clear the Nittany Lions were the team to beat. While Sassic didn't commit during that visit, he was getting close. He had a few official visits set up, but he knew his recruitment wasn't going to last much longer, so he returned to West Virginia on April 8 and Pitt the following day, giv- ing both schools one more opportunity to make their case. In the end, they weren't able to overcome Penn State's lead. Asked what separated the Lions, Sas- sic pointed to "the culture, energy and intensity" he saw from both coaches and players. In addition, Campbell's vision for the program resonated with Sassic and his family. "He has the right mindset … with the approach he's taking," Sassic said. "He wants to build around bought-in high school players who love the game and are disciplined. Coach is a family guy. We laughed in the room with my fam- ily and also were serious when it was needed. He's honestly a great person and coach." ■ Central Catholic Lineman Favored PSU From The Start RYA N S N Y D E R | RYA N . S N Y D E R @ O N 3 . C O M Sassic has been a team leader at Pittsburgh Central Catholic, helping the Vikings go 13-2 last year. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER COMMITMENT PROFILE JON SASSIC Jon Sassic is an all-around standout as a run blocker. He shows the ability to pull, get to the second level and more. Most important of all, he's an enforcer in the run game with the desire to pan- cake every opponent. That mentality likely endeared him to the Penn State staff. Sassic's basic pass-blocking skills look good, too. He's massive for a high school lineman and has good aware- ness in pass protection. Once he gets his hands on players, he's hard to shake off. Those skills should translate to the next level as his physical traits improve. Sassic will need to overcome what ap- pears to be a general stiffness in his frame. He's tight through his core, which prevents him from playing the game in a consistent football position. By open- ing up his hips and playing with more balance, he'll be able to get deeper into squats. He's a well-built, strong football player, but he's got room to grow, spe- cifically in his lower half. The goal is to make Sassic a mountain of muscle and power. To be dominant at Penn State, he'll need to improve his tools beyond his will and desire. It will require grinding in the weight room, which he clearly is willing to do, based on his progress so far. Despite his size, he'll be a guard at the next level. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N