By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

July 20, 2009

There is no doubt the Nittany Lions are targeting Stamford, Ct., linebacker Khairi Fortt.  Fortt has already said one of his official visits will be to Penn State and the Nittany Lions have to be considered the favorite to land Fortt.

However, another linebacker Penn State fans should not forget about is Travis Williams from Norfolk (Va.) Lake Taylor.

The 6-foot-2 and 195-pound Williams has been a varsity starter since his freshman year.  He made 56 tackles including 15 sacks during his junior season.  Williams had 20 sacks as a freshman and 22 his sophomore year.

Williams has attended Penn State’s football camp since he was in eighth grade.  He also visited Penn State on June 21 for a team camp.

In addition to Penn State, Williams has visited Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Louisville. 

“I’m going to take about four official visits,” Williams said.  “I’ll take Penn State, Miami and maybe West Virginia.  That’s all I know so far.”

Williams has scholarship offers from all of those schools as well as LSU, Tennessee, Michigan, Syracuse and Connecticut.  He estimates he has 16 offers total.

“I haven’t narrowed it down yet,” Williams said.  “I think I’ll do that after I get to a few more colleges.”

When asked about the Nittany Lions, Williams said, “I like Penn State.  I’ve seen the facilities.  I’ve been on campus. I like the stadium.  I like coach (Mike) McQueary and coach (Kermit) Buggs.  I like all the coaches.  They all have different personalities.”

Kurelic’s Comment:  Williams says he has no favorites at this point, but it seems the Nittany Lions have as good a shot as anyone.