By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

Feb. 16, 2009

Joe Paterno is off to a great start with his 2010 recruiting class.

The Nittany Lions have already secured commitments from linebacker Mike Hull of Canonsburg (Pa.) Canon-McMillan and quarterback P.J. Jones of McKees Rocks (Pa.) Sto-Rox, two of the Keystone State’s top 10 prospects.

Defensive end Dakota Royer of Manheim (Pa.) Central is among the state’s top 10 prospects and is also on Paterno’s hit list.

The 6-foot-3 and 220-pound Royer has been a starter since the beginning of his sophomore season.  He only played defense that season, but also played wide receiver and some running back during his junior season.

Royer had 11 sacks during his sophomore season.  He made 86 tackles including 11 sacks during his junior season and also caught 56 passes for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns.

“Because of his speed I think he’ll be a blitz type linebacker who can also drop into coverage in college,” Central Coach Mike Williams said.  “He plays with reckless abandon.  He can chase running backs down from behind.”

During the football season, Royer attended the Illinois at Michigan game and the Michigan at Penn State game.

“Those are the only visits I’ve taken,” Royer said.  “I’m going to Maryland next weekend.  I’ll get up to Penn State again at some point.”

When asked about Penn State, Royer said, “It’s a great school and a great football school.  The coaches are great.  I like the atmosphere there.  It’s a great place to play.”

Royer has close to a dozen scholarship offers on the table.  Among the schools on his offer list are Penn State, Pitt, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Illinois, Stanford, Rutgers and Temple.

“Penn State, Pitt, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Illinois are probably my top ones right now,” Royer said.  “I don’t have a favorite.  I’m open to everything.”

Royer visited Pitt on Saturday.

“I went to a basketball game,” Royer said.  “It was fun.  The (football) coaches were real nice.”