RECRUITMENT

Adam Gress

If only we could have more kids in PA like Adam Gress, a long time Penn State fan from West Mifflin (PA) this state would be an iron fortress for Penn State. He was ranked the 59th best offensive lineman in the country by Rivals.com making him the thirteenth verbal for the Class of 2009.

At 6′ 7″, 294 lbs, this recruit has the potential to be a beast. I am a bit concerned by his 2.63 GPA though. They still rank out of 4.0 GPAs in high school right? I’m not really worried about his eligibility to Penn State. With a 2.63 GPA out of high school, all you need is a 770 on your SAT or 63 on your ACT. Adam managed to score a SAT score of 910 which is more than sufficient.

No, I’m more worried about his ability to succeed academically while playing at Penn State. Let’s not forget these are student-athletes, emphasis on the student. But like all kids that are brought under the wing of Joe Paterno, I’m sure Adam Gress will do fine academically or Joe’s beating stick will await him.

COLLEGE CHOICES	INTEREST	OFFER	VISIT	RECRUITED BY
Penn State	Verbal (7/2/2008)		None	Tom Bradley
Pittsburgh	None		None	Greg Gattuso
Rutgers	None		None
Virginia	None		None	Dave Borbely
West Virginia	None		None	David Johnson
UCF	None		None
Marshall	None		None
Michigan	None		None

The big linemen are rolling in and its about time. Adam Gress’s verbal would make him our 4th offensive lineman in what is becoming a stellar class. Just when Penn State suffered a bit of line play in 2006 and the Zack Mills dark ages, Penn State has returned to their bread and butter and the offensive linemen have responded by making their way to Happy Valley.

Adam Gress’s verbal is a boost to Penn State recruiting not only during a time when Ohio State seems to be buying their verbals en masse at a wholesale distributor, but also when rumors of Joe Paterno’s impending retirement should be hurting recruiting. With thirteen verbals before the first snap has even been taken, critics should finally shut the hell up.

But Nittany Nation should be thrilled with Adam Gress’ verbal. He’s got the physical ability to become the next big one to anchor Penn State’s line. And in this age of speedier, more spread offenses which in turn requires schools that can’t nitpick their recruits like we can to recruit speedier, smaller players on defense, this is a definite plus. When you have speedier smaller players on defense, monsters like Adam should soon be able to have his way with defensive linemen not wearing Buckeye or Badger uniforms.

One good indicator of a recruit is usually by the offers he is holding. Adam Gress held offers from Michigan, West Virginia, Virgina, Rutgers and was being recruited by Greg Gattuso at Pittsburgh.

So let’s not kid ourselves with this Pittsburgh and Rutgers is on the rise talk again simply because they are now beginning to get recruits out of their own home state when they once couldn’t pay recruits to step on their campus. There is simply no talent and competition level similarities between Penn State and the Big East.

If the #1 Big Ten team isn’t already playing in the national championship game, they are locked into THE most prestigious bowl game, the Rose Bowl. The #2 and #3 Big Ten squads get a shot against the SEC in the Capital One and Outback bowls, both New Years Day bowls.

The Big East? Their #1 squad is almost never assured of a championship spot, often relegated to a BCS berth. But their enticing bowl lineup after that is as follows, International Bowl IN CANADA against the #3 or #4 MAC team, the Gator Bowl PapaJohn’s.com Bowl, Meineke Car Bowl, St and the Petersburg Bowl against Conference USA. WOW. Recruits sure want a shot a glory in the International Bowl as they pack their Northface jackets and snow boots for that rewarding post season game.

There is simply no comparison.

Gress Picks Penn State – Black Shoe Diaries

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