By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst
bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com
Sept. 17, 2009

Earlier this week, the Nittany Lions landed a commitment from Frederick (Md.) Linganore running back/linebacker Zach Zwinak, who will likely play fullback when he gets to Penn State.

Will Zwinak’s decision have much impact on whether or not Linganore offensive lineman Robby Havenstein ends up at Penn State?

“Not too much,” Havenstein said when asked if he and Zwinak talk about going to the same school.  “Our recruiting has been pretty independent.”

• Check out Havenstein in action at the Penn State Nike Camp in May:

Havenstein made an official visit to Wisconsin the weekend of Sept. 5 and took one to Wake Forest last weekend when the Demon Deacons played Stanford.

“Wake Forest came back to win,” Havenstein said.  “It was a great game to watch and see Wake Forest football.  Wisconsin and Wake Forest are two different schools, their size and all, so I got a good comparison.  I liked both.”

Havenstein said Maryland wants him to make an official visit in December.  However, it looks like he may not do that and may not make an official visit to Penn State.

“I’ve been to Penn State for games,” Havenstein said.  “So I don’t need to go there again.”

Havenstein attended three Penn State games last season as a guest of the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff.  He was on hand as Penn State defeated Oregon State, Michigan and Michigan State.  Havenstein also attended the Nike Football Training Camp at Penn State on May 2.

“I’ve got most of the visits I want to take done,” Havenstein said.  “I’m thinking about making a decision.  It could be in the next couple weeks.”

Havenstein said he is considering Penn State, Maryland, Wake Forest, Wisconsin and Virginia.

“I won’t have a favorite until I make a decision,” Havenstein said.

The 6-foot-8 and 346-pound Havenstein - the nation's No. 34 offensive tackle according to ESPN Scouts Inc. - was a starter at right tackle his sophomore season and moved to left tackle his junior season.  He helped lead Linganore to a 13-0 record before a loss in the state championship game last fall.

Kurelic’s Comment:  I definitely think Havenstein could end up at Penn State.  However, I think he is also very seriously considering the other four schools on his list.  Predicting which way he goes is almost impossible at this point.