Duffy Daugherty Forum

Landing Breneman was the first big coup for O’Brien, but missing out on Kugler, who had an offer on the table from the Lions, highlights the most important issue for the coach moving forward — keeping Pennsylvania talent in Pennsylvania.

The state’s 2013 class is top-heavy, with Breneman and Kugler leading the way, but the rest are still weighing their options. That includes Central Valley wide receiver Robert Foster, West Catholic running back David Williams and Wyomissing linebacker Alex Anzalone.

All three have offers from Penn State, as well as at least three other Big Ten schools. O’Brien’s NFL ties will work best with luring tight ends like Breneman, or quarterbacks like Hackenberg. For the other positions, he’ll have to work a little harder.

Read more: http://cumberlink.com/sports/penn-state-fb/column-o-brien-building-reputation-as-a-recruiter-with-first/article_b47a6708-6b1d-11e1-b8c5-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1oxJzWMKz

I love how we're never listed as one of their offers in spite of being a top 3 defense. Unbelievable.

It really appears that the Penn State football program has put the scandal behind them. Most of the coaching staff is new and the investigation is focusing on the University and AD administration. I have said before and I know this sounds cold. The best thing Paterno did after being fired is die quickly. The funeral was widely covered i Pennsylvania and seemed to be very cathartic. There is even a movement to name the field in Beaver Stadium Paterno Field.

Anzalone lives near Reading which is traditionally strong Penn State recruiting territory. Pitt focuses on Western Pa and Temple and Rutgers have never been much competition for Penn State.

What was his name?

So what does this have to do with Alex Anzalone again?

Top In-State Recruits Plan Return Visits to PSU
Apr 2nd, 2012 at 5:50 am by Tim Tolley

After hosting a handful of recruits last weekend, it looks like April recruiting is ready to pick up where March left off.

I recently found out that Pennsylvania’s top linebacker, Alex Anzalone, will be coming to Penn State on April 14th for a visit. This will be Alex’s 3rd trip to Happy Valley in the past two months.

Anzalone was in Columbus on Saturday for his 2nd visit to Ohio State and left Sunday for a tour of California (USC, UCLA, Stanford). He has recently been to Florida, Notre Dame and Virginia. I don’t have a good feel for how long Alex plans to take, but the fact that he already has a visit scheduled to Penn State AFTER all these others should make Nittany Lion fans feel pretty good. I think Penn State is in pretty good shape here and I wouldn’t be surprised if Anzalone at least narrows down his choices following this west coast trip.

Did he commit there?

OSU, PSU, and Florida

Most are saying that Florida holds a slight lead

verbal to o$u

well it helps when you pimp out the jewelry.

http://ohiostate.247sports.com/Article/Alex-Anzalone-Has-De-Committed-From-Ohio-State-72730

Alex Anzalone has decommitted from Ohio State, considering Penn State
Published: Friday, May 04, 2012, 4:52 PM
By Tim Tolley

Wyomissing, PA linebacker Alex Anzalone has confirmed to me that he is no longer committed to Ohio State.

Alex committed during his visit to the OSU Spring game on April 21st, just one week after visiting Penn State for the 3rd time in two months. Alex wouldn't divulge the reason for the decommit, saying only that "There's a reason. Trust me."

Anzalone also confirmed to me that Penn State is most certainly back in the running for his commitment.

It was my assessment that Penn State was one of the top three choices for Anzalone prior to his Buckeye commitment, with OSU and Florida also in the running. I'll be sure to track this situation closely and update accordingly.

Good for him. Good luck on choosing a new school. Gut says PSU.