With recent in state recruiting losses around the country it’s time to take a look at some key states and the big ones that got away. We continue today with the state of Pennsylvania where some good ones got away over the last four recruiting cycles.
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
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1. D'Andre Swift
The skinny: While he already held a pile of offers, Georgia became the immediate favorite when the Bulldogs threw their hat into the ring. He trimmed his list down to Georgia, Penn State, Clemson, Florida State and Alabama, but then did the expected and committed to the Bulldogs in January.
Swift established himself as one of the top running backs in the country over his last two seasons with the Bulldogs, totaling 2,267 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. He was then selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by Detroit
Farrell’s take: Swift became a star at Georgia although Penn State has been just fine at running back as well. But anytime you lose a high caliber player from the Philly area, it’s never good because it allows others to consider leaving as well.
2. Kyle Pitts
The skinny: The four-star prospect narrowed his list to Florida, Georgia and Virginia Tech before his senior season. After the Bulldogs landed a pledge from John FitzPatrick at tight end, it looked like they were out and a few days later, Pitts committed to the Gators.
In Gainesville, Pitts burst onto the national scene in 2019 with 54 receptions for 649 yards and five touchdowns. And now he looks primed for an All-American caliber season this fall as he totaled eight receptions for 170 yards and four touchdowns in the opener against Ole Miss.
Farrell’s take: Pitts is the best tight end in the country as he showed in the Gators opener. Penn State has done well at tight end as well but again you can’t let others in your state and both PSU and Pitt would love to have Pitts.
3. Christian Barmore
The skinny: Barmore initially committed to Temple, but then re-opened his process after seeing his process explode with additional offers from many of the top programs in the country. He took visits to Alabama, Baylor and Maryland before committing to the Tide in late December.
After redshirting in 2018, Barmore entrenched himself as an important part of Alabama’s defensive line rotation last season with 26 tackles, six tackles for a loss and two sacks. He missed the season opener with a minor knee injury.
Farrell’s take: Barmore was overlooked a bit early and then exploded on the scene with offers from some major programs. Pitt gave it a shot but Penn State never really pushed it seems and Barmore is becoming an elite talent.
4. Julian Fleming
The skinny: Fleming trimmed his list of top schools to Ohio State, Penn State, Clemson, Georgia and Alabama before committing to the Buckeyes in May.
The Ohio State wide receiver group should be led by Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson this fall, but behind them Fleming is part of a young and explosive foursome of true freshmen who will be pushing one another for playing time this fall.
Farrell’s take: Fleming is just starting his career and he could end up much higher on this list eventually. He was a big loss for Penn State as they were a factor early.
5. Marcus Hooker
The skinny: Already holding offers from several schools, including Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Rutgers and Cincinnati, Hooker picked up an offer from Ohio State in July after an impressive camp showing. He committed to the Buckeyes the following day.
Hooker redshirted in 2018 and then received minimal playing time in 2019. However, expectations are high that this is the season that he begins to make his mark in Columbus. There is hope that he takes over at safety for Jordan Fuller, who has moved on to the NFL.
Farrell’s take: Hooker was never offered by Penn State but Pitt wanted him badly and he will show that he was underrated out of high school and be yet another Ohio State defensive back in the NFL down the road.
6. Hayden Rucci
The skinny: With upwards of 20 offers by the end of his junior season, Rucci ended his processs early with a commitment to Wisconsin in early February.
After redshirting in 2019, Rucci looks primed to make an impact at tight end this fall. Jake Ferguson is the unquestioned starter, but with Rucci’s potential and blocking abilities, he will find his way onto the field this fall.
Farrell’s take: Rucci was never offered by Penn State even as a legacy and it cost them his brother Nolan in 2021, so this is a tough loss.
7. Tykee Smith
The skinny: Smith trimmed his list of top schools to West Virginia, Baylor and North Carolina before committing to the Mountaineers in the days leading up to the start of his senior season. He mentioned the strong relationship he developed with the West Virginia coaching staff as his deciding factor.
Smith was one of the top true freshmen in the Big 12 last season, with 50 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and two interceptions. He has continued to impress this fall through the first two games with 12 tackles and one tackle for a loss.
Farrell’s take: Pitt was involved with Smith but again Penn State didn’t push and he’s emerging as a big playmaker in the Big 12 already.
8. Josh Lugg
The skinny: There was little drama in Lugg’s recruiting process as he committed to Notre Dame during his junior season. Other offers he held at the time of his commitment included Penn State, Pittsburgh, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Michigan State.
Lugg first made his mark with the Irish last season, playing in 13 games which included five starts at right tackle. This season he is backing up Robert Hainsey, but can also play multiple other positions on the line.
Farrell’s take: Lugg is another big man who got away and is a versatile lineman at Notre Dame who hasn’t really emerged but has proven invaluable with it comes to depth.
9. Keith Maguire
The skinny: Maguire focused his recruiting process on Clemson, Notre Dame and Ohio State before committing to the Tigers during the spring after his junior season.
Maguire redshirted in 2018 while seeing playing time in three games. Through two games this fall, he has six tackles, one tackle for a loss and a pass break-up while backing up Baylon Spector at WLB.
Farrell’s take: When a program like Clemson targets a player in Pennsylvania you’d expect he’s coveted by Pitt and Penn State. Pitt wanted him but the Nittany Lions weren’t that involved. But the way Clemson defenders pan out, this one could be a big mistake.
10. Andre White
The skinny: White claimed Penn State and USC as his two leaders before a visit to Texas A&M during the spring quickly ended his process with a surprising commitment to the Aggies.
White showcased his potential as a true freshman last fall in College Station with 15 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. During the first game of the season this fall he had five tackles and a pass break up.
Farrell’s take: White is off to a strong start in the SEC and could end up higher on this list for sure. His commitment was a surprise but is working out so far.
