By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

May 7, 2009

The Nittany Lions have a commitment from the top quarterback prospect in the state of Pennsylvania: P.J. Jones from McKees Rocks (Pa.) Sto-Rox.  But it is no secret they want to sign two at the position this recruiting season.

Towards that end, they have extended a scholarship offer to Memphis (Tenn.) University quarterback Barry Brunetti.

“Penn State offered me (Wednesday),” Brunetti said.  “Coach Jay Paterno came to my school.  He was there all morning.   He said they were trying to offer me, but they had to meet me first.  After I met him he said they are verbally offering.  He said the paperwork will be sent down here once he gets back to the office.”

The 6-foot-2 and 210-pound Brunetti had a huge junior season.  He passed for 1,427 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for close to 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns.  Brunetti did all this despite playing only three full games.  He led University to a 13-0 record and a state championship.  But many of the 13 wins were by large margins so Brunetti rarely played the entire game.

Brunetti has scholarship offers from Penn State, Memphis, Mississippi State, Duke, Tulsa, Marshall and Tennessee-Chattanooga.  He was surprised when Paterno told him the Nittany Lions was offering.

“I was shocked,” Brunetti said.  “I wasn’t expecting one from them yet.  It’s a blessing.”

However, one should not interpret that to mean the Nittany Lions are in the driver’s seat.

“I’m keeping everyone even,” Brunetti said.  “But the offer puts Penn State up there.  I’m going to their camp at the end of June.”