By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

April 13, 2009

The Nittany Lions’ competition for Harrison City (Pa.) Penn-Trafford offensive lineman Luke Graham is growing.  Graham, one of Penn State’s top in-state targets, has seen his scholarship offer total rise to nine. 

Graham has offers from Penn State, Pitt, Maryland, Illinois, Northwestern, Duke, Syracuse, Virginia and Florida International.  Virginia and Syracuse are Graham’s most recent offers.

“All of them are written except Penn State is a verbal offer,” Graham said. 

The 6-foot-6 and 255-pound Graham has started at right tackle for Penn-Trafford since the beginning of his sophomore season.  He did not allow a sack during his junior season.  Graham will likely play guard in college.

Graham visited Penn State in late February.  He recently attended a Pitt spring practice and plans to attend the Nittany Lions’ spring game on April 25. 

“I’ll visit the schools farther away early in the summer,” Graham said.  “I’ll visit Virginia and Maryland early in the summer or late in the spring.  Hopefully I’ll get out to Stanford.”

Graham does not anticipate making a decision on his college any time soon.  But the longer he waits, the harder making a choice may become.

“The more offers come in, it makes it harder,” Graham said.  “I’m not sure when I’ll decide.  It would be nice to do it before the football season starts, but I’m not going to put a timetable on it.”

When asked if he has a favorite, Graham said, “Not really.  I’m keeping an open mind right now.”