RECRUITMENT

Today marked the start of a day of a surprises as Penn State receives two verbals from offensive linemen. Frank Figueroa began the day when he announced that he would become the 7th Nittany Lion for the Class of 2009.

There isn’t much out there on Frank Figueroa, but as a 2 year starter for Thomas Edison High School in Alexandria, VA, he obviously has the skill for the Lions coaching staff to extend a scholarship offer after Figueroa and his head coach, Steve Deck sent in game film of the offensive lineman.

“His best asset is that he’s smart, and he has really physically emerged since last year. Two years ago, he was only about 240 pounds, but he really matured since the end of last season physically, and came in this spring at 275, and now he’s just over 280 pounds.”

He is projected to play at the offensive guard or center position at the collegiate level. And with 3 other OL commitments for the 2009 class, he will most likely be moved to another position to balance our depth.

COLLEGE CHOICES	INTEREST	OFFER	VISIT	RECRUITED BY
Penn State (solid verbal)	COMMITTED (5/10/2008)		None
William and Mary	None		None
North Carolina	None		None
Syracuse	None		None
Michigan State	None		None
Virginia	None		None
Temple	None		None

Umm.. Who? Anytime we get verbals from recruits, its cause to celebrate, but the Lion faithful must be scratching their heads at this one. Figueroa’s has the starting weight to help solidify our offensive line in the near future as long as he gains weight in college. Remember that four-star recruit, Eric Shrive that just verbaled to the Lion today is only 3 pounds heavier and 3 feet taller than this kid.

Penn State has had great success molding unheralded high school athletes into consistent players. Think Tony Hunt, Paul Poz, Levi Brown, etc.

As ‘Chohany’ points out, Penn State has had success back in the 70s churning out offensive linemen. And with Levi Brown, and our depth at the line this year, it’s should not come as a surprise as Penn State goes back to their roots of dominating linemen.

“Mike Munchak (Hall of Fame), Keith Dorney (pro bowler), Sean Farrell (I think a pro bowler), Charlie Getty (long-time NFL vet), Tom Rafferty (13 year starter for the Cowboys), Irv Pankey (long-time NFL veteran), Steve Wisnewski (7 time pro-bowler and on the 90’s all decade team), Jeff Hartings (pro-bowler), Marco Rivera (pro-bowler)”

So this staff obviously knows what they are getting when they offered this relatively unknown recruit a scholarship. Already holding offers from Butch’s North Carolina, and with more from Dantonio’s Michigan State and Virginia on the way, this kid will help provide depth at the offensive line position for the years to come.

Releated Posts:

1. Nepotism at its Finest: Commit #11 is Levi Norwood
2. The Penn State All-Decade Team: Guards
3. Counting Down the Lions: #44
4. Counting Down the Lions: #36