The strongest part of Penn State's recruiting for the class of 2010 has been the Nittany Lions' ability to fill specific needs, said Tom Luginbill, ESPN Scouts Inc.'s National Recruiting Director.
In a teleconference Monday, Luginbill stressed how Penn State picked up two solid quarterbacks and loaded up on the defensive front seven.
"I'm really impressed with the Penn State class," he said.
Gone is senior signal caller Daryll Clark; in comes the top dual-threat quarterback of his class, Robert Bolden (Orchard Park, Mich./St. Mary's), and three-star pocket passer Paul Jones (McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox).
And with three linebackers departing, the Lions picked up Mike Hull (Canonsburg, Pa./Canon-McMillan) — a captain for the Team USA vs. The World USA game in Florida — and ESPNU 150 prospects Khairi Fortt (Stamford, Conn./Stamford) and Dakota Royer (Manheim, Pa./Manheim Central).
That alone bodes well for Penn State's recruiting class, Luginbill said, but throw in the fact seven players have already enrolled in Happy Valley — and the Lions' class becomes something special.
ESPN Scouts Inc. currently ranks Penn State's class of 2010 at No. 7 in the country. New rankings will be released Thursday.
Newest Penn State commit: As early as a week ago, Luginbill and ESPN Scouts Inc. didn't get a chance to study Brad Bars, a defensive end out of Nasvhille (Tenn.) Montgomery Bell Academy.
But, once Bars verbaled to Penn State, Luginbill watched some film. Here's what he had to say Monday:
"What [Bars] does provide you is versatility and that experience ... as a pass-rusher. He's got a great motor and a bit of that blue-collar edge, and he'll be playing a little bit harder than the next guy. And we love that about him."
Luginbill also had opinions on other national recruiting developments:
Rich Rodriguez: thumbs up or down?: Luginbill said he believes the Michigan coach is doing a better job than people give him credit for.
Rodriguez doesn't have a magic wand, Luginbill said, and the Wolverines can't go from being a strength-and-power team to a speed-and-agility squad overnight. Rodriguez didn't have players that fit with what he wanted to do.
Luginbill believes this class will set a foundation for Michigan to have future success.
"Six kids have already enrolled, and they've upgraded their skill spots, which is what you've got to have," he said. "And quarterback Devin Gardner is a true dual threat. He's got immeasurables you want out of the quarterback position."
Iowa's class: According to Luginbill, the Hawkeyes' Class of 2010 could end up being ranked in the top-25 by ESPN Scouts Inc.
They have 20 verbal commitments, and Luginbill said Iowa has managed to upgrade its overall athleticism, especially in the trenches.
The class likely won't make an impact until the next calendar year but, Luginbill said, Iowa is doing a good job anticipating departures and filling future needs.
Marcus Lattimore: The No. 2 tailback in the nation, who once considered Penn State, has to decide the type of offense he prefers before he chooses a college, Luginbill said.
Does he want to be a running back in the spread, share duties, be involved in the passing game, be a featured back in the I-formation?
"That decision for Lattimore, where he envisions himself, will make up his ultimate decision on where he ends up," Luginbill said. "I think there are more complete backs than Lattimore. I don't think there is a better back in the last three or four years that is as talented in the passing game as he is."
One of Lattimore's weaknesses, Luginbill said, is he's not overly shifty. For a running back his size, he sometimes struggles to break tackles.
Brian Kelly & Notre Dame: At Cincinnati, Luginbill said, Kelly really didn't have to worry about the fan base criticizing incoming recruits. At Notre Dame, that will be a completely different story.
"The good news? Brian Kelly doesn't care," Luginbill said. "He's going to bring in who he wants."
But — "Do I think their class has been somewhat underwhelming? Yes, I do. But I don't think that's what the classes will be like going forward."
Tommy Tuberville & Texas Tech: Tuberville isn't trying to reinvent the wheel, Luginbill said.
Tuberville will eventually leave his mark on the program, but it will be slowly and surely. The offense won't change overnight. He'll likely try to develop the defense more and attempt to start competing in the Big 12 South.
Urban Meyer & Florida: Head coach Urban Meyer had plans to leave the University of Florida and then changed his mind. Even though he's staying, the Gators' program isn't exactly synonymous with coaching stability right now.
So, why have they been so successful with recruiting?
"I'm a little surprised they haven't had more defections; I'm not surprised the class is still strong," Luginbill said. "... It's more than Urban Meyer. I really believe the University of Florida as a whole is what kept many prospects into the fold an what lured many prospects to come to the program."
Luginbill talks Penn State, Signing Day
