Blue White Illustrated

RECRUITING Lions host local linebacker RYA N   S N Y D E R Penn State hosted another relatively small recruiting crowd for its game against Central Florida on Saturday. Despite late cancelations from top 2015 prospects Justin Hilliard, a linebacker from Cincinnati, and Van Jefferson, a wide receiver out of Brentwood, Tenn., Penn State still hosted a few noteworthy names. The most notable was 2014 linebacker Christian Lezzer, who is currently verbally committed to Boston College. The two-star prospect from Clearfield, Pa., attended the majority of the Nittany Lions' home games last season, but once Penn State accepted commitments from Troy Reeder and Jared Wangler, Lezzer decided to no longer wait around and jumped on an offer from Steve Addazio and his Eagles staff. However, following Wangler's decommitment – he's now with Michigan – Penn State's coaching staff has made it clear to Lezzer that he's one of three linebackers that they're currently evaluating. Another name Nittany Lion fans should keep an eye on is Troy Stivason, a kicker/punter from Athens, Pa. He currently holds one offer from Buffalo, but Cincinnati, Pitt, North Carolina State and Texas Tech might also extend an offer after his senior season. Penn State has told Stivason that he's the No. 1 kicker on its board, but because of the scholarship restrictions, the Lions can only promise him a chance to walk on. So Stivason could end up being out of Penn State's reach as he continues to collect offers. "I have to weigh all my options at the end of the season, but I would absolutely consider walking on at Penn State," said Stivason, a lifelong Nittany Lion fan. "They already offered me the opportunity, which is an honor from such a great school. I'll have to wait and see what happens with other schools, any scholarship offers, and then decide." Penn State also hosted a few players currently committed to its Class of 2014. Offensive lineman Noah Beh, defensive S e P t e m b e R | blue white illuStRated back Marcus Allen and running back Mark Allen all made the trip. There were also a few underclassmen to mention. The most noteworthy prospect in attendance was Sonny Abramson, a quarterback from Pope John XXIII from Sparta, N.J. The Class of 2016 prospect may be the Garden State's top signalcaller in two years. He's already grabbed the attention of multiple programs, including Rutgers and South Florida, which have extended offers. Boston College, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Stanford have also shown interest. Alex Malzone, a 2015 quarterback prospect out of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., made the trip, too. He holds offers from Old Dominion, Toledo and Western Michigan, but will surely see more in the coming year. Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee and Wisconsin have shown interest.  GAME GALLERY  Photos by Steve Manuel ON LOCKDOWN C.J. Olaniyan (above) and the defensive line had zero sacks on the night, while UCF's Rannell Hall (right) had 31 yards receiving and 12 yards rushing. 1 4 , 2 0 1 3 6 b l u e w h i t e o n l i n e . c o m

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