Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1546159
5 4 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M 225-pound edge rusher has totaled five visits to State College over the years, including two trips since Campbell took over the program. Linebacker This is another area where Penn State should find success in 2028. While Pennsylvania isn't deep at the position, New Jersey and New England present a few quality options for the staff. Both Liam Conlon of Tabor Acad- emy in Massachusetts and Christian King of St. Thomas More in Connecti- cut have made it clear they're high on the Nittany Lions. King is a New York City native who's visited State College six times dating back to February 2025. Listed at just under 6-0, 220 pounds, he hasn't been ranked yet by Rivals but has earned nearly 20 offers. While Michi- gan, Michigan State and Virginia Tech have all hosted him since the spring, the Nittany Lions are the early favorites. Conlon holds a three-star rating but will likely become a four-star prospect in time; he's already in the back half of the Rivals300 at No. 221 nationally and No. 16 among linebackers. His two visits to Penn State so far have offered encouraging signs. Just like with King, Michigan, Michigan State and Virginia Tech have all hosted the 6-2, 215-pound prospect since the spring. New Jersey native Tahj Gray will also be a coveted target for the staff. The St. Joseph Regional recruit is the top- ranked linebacker in the country by Ri- vals and is on the fringe of becoming a five-star prospect if he stays where he's currently ranked at No. 28 nation- ally. Gray has visited Penn State twice but hasn't been back since Campbell took over the program. That will need to change this fall. One other notable prospect to moni- tor is Tysir Young of Middletown, Del. The 6-2, 215-pound four-star line- backer is ranked No. 123 nationally and eighth at his position. He's visited Penn State seven times, but only once since Campbell arrived. Cornerback Penn State already holds a commit- ment from Deonte Flemings. The four- star prospect from McDowell High in Erie, Pa., is projected to play cornerback at the college level, but he could end up at safety depending on how much he grows over the next two years. Either way, position coach Terry Smith will be pursuing the region's top cornerbacks in the months ahead. Smith's primarily recruiting territory, Pittsburgh, also happens to be home to rising cornerback prospect Kia Jones Jr. from Seton LaSalle. Although he's cur- rently considered a three-star player, that could quickly change this fall after the 6-1, 180-pound prospect dominated in multiple camp settings this spring On3 Industry 2027 Team Recruiting Rankings As of Aug. 10 Rk. School Commits 1. Texas A&M 26 2. Notre Dame 23 3. Miami 21 4. Oregon 24 5. Ohio State 19 6. Texas 22 7. Oklahoma 27 8. Florida 25 9. Texas Tech 17 10. LSU 16 23. Penn State 22 Christian King of St. Thomas More in Connecticut has visited Penn State six times dating back to February 2025. He hasn't been ranked yet by Rivals but has earned nearly 20 offers, with the Nittany Lions in the early lead. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS