The Nittany Lions have verbal commitments from two defensive tackle prospects: Evan Hailes and DaQuan Jones. Another commit, Dominique Easley, could play either defensive end or tackle for the Nittany Lions.
While space is a bit tight as Joe Paterno puts the finishing touches on a great recruiting class, the Nittany Lions’ boss certainly still has room on the defensive line.
Paterno is in hot pursuit of Sharrif Floyd (Philadelphia, Pa./George Washington). Floyd is talking about visiting Penn State the weekend of Nov. 7 when the Nittany Lions play Ohio State. If he does, he won’t be alone.
Defensive tackle James Carmon (Gulf Coast Community College, Miss.) has told Nittany Network he plans to make an official visit to Penn State the weekend of Nov. 7. Another outstanding defensive tackle says he, too, will make an official visit to Penn State that weekend.
“I’ve set up one to Penn State for Nov. 7,” defensive tackle Mike Thornton said. “That’s the only official visit I have right now.”
The 6-foot-1 and 273-pound Thornton (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson) said he has added a couple scholarship offers increasing his total to 33.
“Florida and Kentucky have offered now,” Thornton said. “Right now, I don’t know who else I’ll visit.”
When asked why he decided to schedule an official visit to just Penn State at this point, Thornton said, “Penn State is something different. I want to visit somewhere I’ve never been.”
Thornton said Nittany Lions assistant coach Larry Johnson is another reason he has decided to schedule an official visit to Penn State.
“We have a good relationship,” Thornton said.
Thornton, who is hoping to graduate early, has an offer list that includes Penn State, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Alabama, South Carolina, Auburn, LSU, West Virginia, Miami, Michigan State and Michigan.
Thornton made 95 tackles including three sacks during his junior season. He has 39 tackles including seven sacks this season as Stephenson is 6-0. Thornton and Co. will get their taste of the national spotlight tonight against Luther King (Lithonia, Ga.) at 6 p.m. EST on ESPNU in a battle between two of Georgia’s top teams.
Kurelic’s Comment: If Joe Pa can add Floyd and either Thornton or Carmon it would be a great finish for the Nittany Lions on the defensive side of the ball.
Thornton schedules first official visit
