Penn State Sports Magazine
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It also helped that he developed a good relationship with Roof. "Every chance we've gotten to hang out, it's been a good experience," Gaines said. "He's a great coach, and I really like Coach O'Brien as well, he seems like a players' coach, so that should be a good fit. The tradition up there is also great. They have so many alumni who have done well in the NFL and in the business world. Also, that stadium is huge, over 100,000 people come to games every week, so the opportunity to play there is just something I couldn't pass up." Gaines plays safety but could also play cornerback in college. He plans to attend his first Penn State game in late October when Ohio State comes to town, and he may also be on hand for the game against Wisconsin Nov. 24. Penn State has also extended an offer to offensive tackle Chasz Wright from Woodbridge, Va. The coaches would like the 6-foot-7, 274-pound Wright to take the spot they originally had saved for Dorian Johnson. However, it won't be easy, as Wright currently favors North Carolina State. "I'd say N.C. State is a slight leader right now over Penn State," Wright said. "I'm still very interested in both schools and will most likely visit both schools, although I've already visited Penn State twice." An additional offer went out roughly 10 days later, as Penn State finally ex- tended a scholarship offer to running back/slot receiver Richie Anderson, son of the former Penn State tailback of the same name. Although he has already verbally com- mitted to Maryland, the 5-11, 180- pound Anderson will most likely visit Penn State for its game against Ohio State in October. "I can't wait to see that White Out," Anderson said. "I've been to a few games but never a White Out game, so that should be a lot of fun." Anderson said that while his com- mitment to Maryland is firm, he plans to visit other schools this fall, including Penn State and Illinois. "I just want to explore my options, since both schools offered me after my commitment to Maryland," he said. "But right now, I definitely plan on being a Terp." Assessing Penn State's recruiting possibilities than 15 scholarships, some positions have become more important than others, making things all the more difficult for Bill O'Brien and his staff as they look to assemble their first full recruiting class. Below is a breakdown of the team's I most acute needs, including the play- ers O'Brien and his assistants are targeting. 1. DEFENSIVE BACK VERBAL COMMITMENTS Kasey Gaines, Neiko Robinson, Jordan Smith This area is, without a doubt, Penn State's primary concern. The defen- sive back classes that the previous staff brought in over the past few years, while solid, aren't packed with superstars, so the new staff must find a few targets who will fit Ted Roof's aggressive man-to-man sys- tem. It looks as though Gaines, who is from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson, could be another one of those solid players, but what makes him intriguing is that he's perfect for Roof's system. During Grayson's recent game against Miami's Central High, Gaines showed that he can be an aggressive, smart defensive back. That's exactly what the current Penn State team appears to lack. Gaines' aggressiveness against the run is one of his biggest assets. He's very good at making the right reads early and not getting suckered in on BY RYAN SNYDER Blue White Illustrated t's no secret that Penn State still has plenty of holes to fill in the coming months. But because the Nittany Lions can offer no more play-action plays or trick plays. He keeps everything in front of him on passing downs, and any defensive back who can read the field as well as he does should fit in well at Penn State. Gaines has been turning some heads in recent weeks and will likely continue to do so. He plays on one of the top 50 high school teams in the nation, so there are going to be plenty of scouts in the stands whenever he takes the field. It's likely that he will receive some additional offers from major-conference schools before this is all said and done. 2. RUNNING BACK POTENTIAL PROSPECTS Richie Anderson, Ro- man Clay, Tyler Phillips David Williams isn't interested, but Penn State would still like to take at least one running back in 2013. The coaches' recent decision to extend an offer to Anderson indicates that the Frederick (Md.) Thomas Jefferson prospect is most likely their top target. But Anderson could also play the slot receiver position in college, so