Blue White Illustrated

with O'Brien and quarterbacks coach Charlie Fisher last summer, Wimbush became the staff's clear-cut No. 1 target for 2015. He already has offers from some of the nation's elite programs, but his mother is a Penn State alumna, so many observers believe the Nittany Lions have a shot. Two additional players to watch are Torrance Gibson of Plantation, Fla., and Nick Johns of Washington, D.C. RUNNING BACK RETURNING PLAYERS Bill Belton (Sr.), Zach Zwinak (Sr.), Akeel Lynch (R-So.), Mark Allen (Fr.), Nick Scott (Fr.), Johnathan Thomas (Fr.) OUTLOOK Even with Allen, Scott and Thomas likely to redshirt next fall, the departure of Belton and Zwinak following the 2014 season will open up two spots for running backs in the Class of 2015. 2015 OFFERS Josh Adams, Warrington, Pa.; Saquon Barkley, Whitehall, Pa.; Bryce Love, Wake Forest, N.C.; Andre Robinson, Harrisburg, Pa. RYAN'S TAKE So far, Penn State's coaching staff has extended scholarship offers to at least four running backs, including Love, a four-star prospect, Robinson, Adams and Barkley. Of those four, Adams and Robinson appear to have the most interest. Robinson has visited Penn State several times, while Adams has visited once. Adams has been very quiet about his recruitment, but some believe he could be the top athlete in Pennsylvania next year. WIDE RECEIVER RETURNING PLAYERS Alex Kenney (Sr.), Matt Zanellato (R-Jr.), Eugene Lewis (R-So.), Jonathan Warner (R-So.), Richy Anderson (So.), DaeSean Hamilton (R-Fr.), Troy Apke (Fr.), Chris Godwin (Fr.), and De'Andre Thompkins (Fr.) OUTLOOK Although nine wide receivers are expected to be on the Lions' scholarship roster in 2015, don't be surprised if they still take one or two wideouts in this class. 2015 OFFERS Van Jefferson, Brentwood, Tenn.; Juwan Johnson, Glassboro, N.J. RYAN'S TAKE With three wide receivers expected to sign in February, this area won't be a top priority in 2015. However, the staff has already identified two four-star prospects – Johnson and Jefferson – who would certainly look good in blue and white. At present, neither one of those players appears to be very high on the Nittany Lions, but another four-star player – Irvin Charles of Haddonfield, N.J. – has visited twice this season and has made it clear that he would be very interested if Penn State were to extend an offer. TIGHT END RETURNING PLAYERS Kyle Carter (R-Jr.), Jesse James (Jr.), Brent Wilkerson (R-So.), Adam Breneman (So.), Mike Gesicki (Fr.) OUTLOOK Because O'Brien likes to use two tight ends in his system, he is always going to want five on the scholarship roster. Carter and James will be seniors in 2015, so don't be surprised if Penn State signs two tight ends. 2015 OFFERS None

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