Blue White Illustrated

| PSU focuses on finishing class Colon's exit gives coaching staff an additional scholarship to offer I t's been nearly three months since James Franklin and his coaching sta4 have picked up a verbal commitment, but there's still plenty to talk about with regard to where the Nittany Lions stand in their pursuit of top 2016 and '17 prospects. The most notable development of the past month was defensive tackle Christian Colon's announcement via Twitter on Oct. 22 that he was no longer committed to Penn State's Class of 2016. Sources have told Blue White Illustrated that it was Franklin's decision to part ways with the three-star prospect from Charlotte, N.C., reportedly because of disciplinary action that was taken against him at his high school. With Colon no longer part of the Nittany Lions' class, Franklin and his assistants have an extra scholarship to 3ll, and it appears as if athlete Khaleke Hudson of McKeesport, Pa., is their top choice. This past summer, Hudson hinted that he was leaning toward Penn State, but the coach- ing sta4 was forced to slow down its pursuit to focus on other positions of need. However, following an excellent senior season, the sta4 decided to prioritize the three-star prospect, who could play safety or linebacker in college. Hudson wasted little time getting back to University Park, as he visited the fol- lowing week for the Lions' game against Illinois. The decision to visit almost im- mediately likely bodes well for Penn State's chances of securing a commitment, but it should also be noted that he's developed strong relationships with Pitt, UCLA and Virginia Tech over the past few months. As of this writing, Hudson was expected to take an o5cial visit to Virginia Tech Nov. 20-22. He will then take an o5cial visit to UCLA Dec. 11-13 and will likely wait until January to visit both Pitt and Penn State. Another noteworthy player in the Class of 2016 is safety Ikenna Okeke. A three- star prospect from Smyrna, Tenn., Okeke originally picked up an o4er from the Nittany Lions in the spring, but as was the case with Hudson, the sta4 began to focus its attention elsewhere late in the summer. Recently, though, Okeke has re- emerged as a potential addition to the class. "I've been talking to Coach Shoop a lot," Okeke said. "He's the main coach that I talk with from Penn State. I think we F O O T B A L L R E C R U I T I N G PROSPECT WATCH The Nit- tany Lions have taken an interest in Hudson, a de- fensive standout from McK- eesport, Pa. Photo courtesy of Rivals.com

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