By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

August 4, 2009

Under Armour All-American defensive back Joshua Shaw from Palmdale, Calif., says he is very interested in three Big Ten schools, and Penn State is one of them.

“I’m a fan of Big Ten football,” Shaw said.  “I like the three powerhouse teams, Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State.”

Shaw will make an official visit to Ohio State the weekend of Sept. 12 when the Buckeyes take on USC.  He will make an official visit to Notre Dame the weekend of Oct. 17 when the Irish play USC, and will take a trip to LSU the weekend of Oct. 10 when the Tigers host Florida.

“I’ll definitely take all five official visits, but I won’t take any to West Coast schools,” Shaw said.  “UCLA, USC and Washington won’t get official visits.”

However, Shaw is considering those three schools as well as Ohio State, Notre Dame, LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Michigan and Penn State.  All but the Nittany Lions have offered Shaw a scholarship.

“Penn State hasn’t offered yet,” Shaw said.  “But I think they will the next time I talk to them.  I plan to talk to them this week.”

The 6-foot-2 and 180-pound Shaw played cornerback during his junior season.  He made 40 solo tackles and intercepted four passes.

Encinitas (Calif.) La Costa Canyon wide receiver Kenny Stills plans to make an official visit to Penn State the weekend of Nov. 7 when the Nittany Lions play Ohio State.  It would not be shocking if Shaw also visited Penn State that weekend.

“Penn State got my attention when they lost to USC in the Rose Bowl,” Shaw said.  “And I’ve been talking to Kenny Stills about Penn State.”

Kurelic’s Comment:  Joe Paterno and his staff have had a great recruiting year so it should come as no surprise when yet another great prospect is talking about Penn State.  It would not be surprising to see Shaw land a scholarship offer from the Nittany Lions in the next few days.