Penn State
By Steve Sampsell

Despite the potential impact of "negative recruiting" with regard to Joe Paterno's age or the team's recent performance, Penn State's recruiting class is among the best in the nation.

"We don't have any problem with that," Paterno said of negative recruiting. "We had a kid that came up to visit that I felt we were wasting time on from the south and the dad got me in the kitchen and said, 'My father always dreamed about having me play for you. If you want my kid, this is where I want him.' I'm worried about it, but it hasn't affected recruiting."

What did the Nittany Lions accomplish with this year's class?

Depth and quality. The marquee players include several Pennsylvania high school defensive standouts: LB Dan Connor (Strath Haven), a two-time all-state selection, DE Tyrell Sales (Butler) and DT A.Q. Shipley (Moon). Connor and Sales rank among the top prospects in the state.

The offensive linemen in the class might take time to develop, but the group bolsters depth. Greg Harrison of Shenandoah Valley and Cumberland Valley's Wyatt Bowman are examples of Penn State's dominance in recruiting offensive lineman in-state.

Defensive back Adam DiMichele (Sto-Rox), the AP Class A Player of the Year, and linebacker Dontey Brown (McKeesport) round out the Western Pennsylvania group.

For those who picked Penn State, neither Paterno's age nor the program's recent on-field struggles matter. Approving recruits see only an opportunity by playing for Paterno.

"After meeting him, you fall in love with the guy and how successful he's been," DiMichele told the Tribune-Review when he made his commitment. "He needs winners, and I'm a winner."

What does this group lack?

Without a blue-chip QB, it might lack some luster. After West Lawn's Chad Henne picked Michigan, Penn State added several possible QBs.

"We only wanted one," Paterno said. "When he backed down and we tried to get in with another, it was, 'I'm the second choice.' Fortunately, we have been able to do OK. Plus, we have three kids back. It isn't like you can walk in here and play right away."

The "second-choice" Paterno refers to is Penn Hills' Anthony Morelli. The Lions remained in close contact with Morelli and the one-time Pitt verbal visited State College in late January. The Lions were in the running for his services at press time.

The class is thin at receiver, where starter Tony Johnson graduated, junior Ernie Terrell left the team to pursue track, and sophomore Maurice Humphrey's status is unknown.

Who will make an early impact?

Connor, Sales and Shipley have chances to make early impacts.

The two tight ends, Jed Hill and Mike Lucian, earned all-state honors in Ohio and Maryland, respectively, and will have an eye on a depth-chart opening at a position which loses its top two from last season.