Blue White Illustrated

W here does Penn State stand with members of the recently released Rivals250? Blue White Illustrated provides individual analysis of the sen- iors-to-be who have received an o6er from the Nittany Lions. No. 4 RASHAN GARY Gary is the na- tion's top-ranked defensive tackle and arguably the No. 1 prospect on Penn State's Class of 2016 recruiting board. He visited PSU a few times since the 2013 season, but has been on campus only once since James Franklin and his sta6 were hired – last October for the Ohio State game. When BWI spoke with his mother recently, she said that Gary most likely won't return in the spring, as he's trying to check out schools that he hasn't seen yet. However, she added that she thinks very highly of Penn State and the coaches, so there's reason to feel good about PSU's chances of making his 5rst cut. As for the com- petition, Ohio State is an early favorite along with Alabama, Michigan and Notre Dame. Rutgers is also in contention, as he's taken multiple visits to see the Scarlet Knights. His most recent visit was to Vir- ginia Tech. No. 11 RAHSHAUN SMITH Smith re- cently transferred from his high school in Maryland to IMG Academy in Braden- ton, Fla. It was always going to be a tough pull for Penn State, and the move south probably isn't going to help. However, he visited PSU twice during the 2014 football season and is close with many players on the team. Clemson appears to be the early favorite to sign the standout defensive end. No. 18 KAREEM WALKER Walker com- mitted to Ohio State the night of the na- tional championship game. Prior to that, the running back prospect had taken a couple visits to Penn State. No. 34 KEANDRE JONES Jones com- mitted to Maryland in early December. Before announcing for the Terrapins, he visited Penn State a few times, including a camp ap- pearance during which he proved himself to be one of the most athletic lineback- ers in attendance. He had a strong interest in Penn State initially, and that interest was de5nitely mutual, but the in-state Terrapins prevailed. However, there's been some speculation that he's interested in visiting Ohio State, and he may be open to taking other visits. No. 37 SHANE SIMMONS Simmons, a defensive end, committed to Penn State in late July and has held strong ever since. He visited for nearly every game last fall and returned for junior day events on Jan. 31 and Feb. 28. Simmons is PSU's biggest recruiter in the Class of 2016. No. 41 BEN BREDESON Bredeson's ten- tative top four includes Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Wisconsin. But if Penn State makes a strong push for a | BLUE-CHIPPER Gary takes part in a drill during last year's Ri- vals100 Five-Star Challenge in Balti- more. Photo cour- tesy of Rivals.com

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