Blue White Illustrated

D uring these next few months, James Franklin and his staff will finally have a chance to show what they can do on the sideline. But don't as- sume that the arrival of the 2014 foot- ball season means the staff will be abandoning the recruiting trail. While July and August will probably be slow months, with the Nittany Lions' re- maining targets turning their attention to the start of their respective senior high school seasons, September will be a busy time for Penn State, on and off the field. With 17 prospects having already joined the Class of 2015, it is believed that Penn State has six or seven scholar- ships remaining. Initially, it was thought that the Nittany Lions would sign no more than 21 players next February, but following the departure of wide receivers Richy Anderson and Jonathan Warner, as well as o6ensive lineman Anthony Alosi, it appears as though the sta6 will have some extra scholarships to o6er this year and next. Less clear is how the staff intends to use its remaining scholarships as it works to fill out the Class of 2015. The Lions are thought to be seeking at least one more defensive tackle, offensive tackle and cornerback, with the re- maining scholarships going to the best available players, regardless of posi- tion. Who might those prospects be? Blue White Illustrated's Ryan Snyder takes a closer look at 10 potential signees. MICAH ABERNATHY CB // 6-0 // 181 Norcross, Ga. Greater Atlanta Christian Abernathy is arguably the best three- star prospect in the nation. With o6ers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, South Car- olina, Texas A&M and USC, he's bound to move up in the rankings heading into his senior season at Greater Atlanta Christian High. He's also been moving up Penn State's recruiting board in recent weeks. Cornerbacks coach Terry Smith and defensive coordinator Bob Shoop both have made him a priority during the past two months, and their deter- mination appears to be paying off, as Abernathy recently mentioned that he is likely to make a visit to University Park this fall. "I'm de5nitely trying to get up there at some point," he said on July 7. "If it boils down to me taking an o7cial there, then that's what will happen." At this point, Alabama and Georgia look to be the favorites to receive Aber- nathy's signature in February, but we wouldn't be surprised if the Nittany Lions are still in the mix when it comes time for him to make his college deci- sion. His relationship with Shoop and Franklin goes back to their time at Van- derbilt. MATTHEW BURRELL OT // 6-4 // 286 Woodbridge, Va. C.D. Hylton High Penn State has already received com- mitments from two guards (Steven Gon- zalez and Ryan Bates) and one tackle (Sterling Jenkins). Burrell is the coaches' top remaining target on the o6ensive line. The goal this year was to get at least two guards and as many as three tackles, but now that Grant Newsome has com- mitted to Michigan, it looks as though the total count will be four: two tackles and two guards. I believe the Lions are in contention with Burrell, but it would be premature to label them the favorites. He's re- ceived more than 40 verbal offers and has visited Virginia, Michigan, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Maryland, Penn State, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Clem- son so far. Most of those schools will likely end up in his top 10, which he is expected to announce before the end of the summer. One key for Penn State will be to get Burrell on campus for an o7cial visit ei- ther during or a8er the season. He's close friends with verbally committed defensive lineman Adam McLean and has been talking with others who have already committed, so that should help. But he is reportedly undecided about whether to visit. The sta6's main goal between now and the end of the season will be persuade Burrell to spend a weekend on campus. If they can get him to use one of his 5ve of- 5cials, they should have as good a chance as anyone. Burrell has admitted that he is not close to deciding on his top 5ve schools. DRAYTON CARLBERG DT // 6-5 // 281 Minneapolis De La Salle High Penn State extended a verbal o6er to Carlberg in late May, joining a list of 14 schools that also includes Michigan Scouting PSU's remaining targets Any of these 10 prospects would look good in blue and white. So where do the Lions stand?

• Cover