Blue White Illustrated

lationship with the coaching sta4, dating back to its tenure at Vanderbilt. However, unless he visits PSU this spring or summer, we believe the South- ern schools have an edge. No. 160 PATRICE RENE A Canadian native who now plays high school ball in Alexandria, Va., Rene has vis- ited Penn State multiple times, most recently for its game vs. Michigan State on Nov. 29. PSU has put itself in good position with the cornerback prospect, but Rene will visit other schools, including Ohio State, Pitt, Notre Dame and Boston College. A5er that round of visits, we should have a better idea where the Lions stand. No. 163 JUSTIN LAYNE Layne was ex- cited to receive an o4er from Penn State while attending camp last summer. He re- turned for the Ohio State game in October, but his contact with Penn State has di- minished recently, as the Nittany Lions don't have a lot of needs at wide receiver in next year's class. Ohio State, Michigan State and Notre Dame are the three schools atop his list. No. 166 CONNOR McGOVERN Of all the Rivals250 prospects, McGovern is probably the most likely to sign with Penn State. In fact, a commitment later this spring or summer from the o4ensive tackle wouldn't surprise us at all. McGovern has visited North Carolina and Duke, and he also hopes to check out Michigan State before making a 3nal call. No. 174 LUKE FARRELL Farrell hopes to visit Penn State in early April. An Ohio native, he initially had Ohio State high on his list, but the Buckeyes have already re- ceived commitments from two tight ends. That should open things up for other schools. Farrell is also looking to visit Boston College, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Alabama this spring or sum- mer. No. 183 BRENDAN FERNS James Franklin made Ferns a priority during the most recent visit period, as he stopped by St. Clairsville (Ohio) in January to check on the linebacker prospect. Assistant coach Brent Pry has also made at least one stop. A5er visiting Penn State last season, Ferns is eyeing a return trip in either late March or April. Right now, Ohio State and Okla- homa appear to be the Nittany Lions' strongest competitors. No. 185 TERRELL HALL Hall visited Penn State in September and had been expected to return in February, but the four-star defensive end committed to Ohio State on March 2. However, Penn State was the 3rst big school to extend an o4er, and he has an excellent relationship with defensive line coach Sean Spencer. We expect the Lions' sta4 to stay in contact in case he has a change of heart. No. 191 TRE NIXON Nixon's o4er list has grown substantially, and he was also recognized as a four-star prospect recently. He's earned o4ers from most of the major Big Ten, ACC and SEC schools and seems to add to his list each week. Penn State was one of the 3rst schools to show a se- rious interest, and he returned the favor by visiting campus last fall. In January, Franklin and receivers coach Josh Gattis both paid a visit to the wideout prospect RISING SENIOR Rene, a corner- back who is orig- inally from Cana- da, has made a number of visits to University Park. Photo cour- tesy of Rivals.com

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