2020 Recruiting Class Thread
- Thread starter Nittany18
- Start date
https://kohlskicking.com/player-profiles/kai-kroeger
KAI KROEGER
Height: 6" 3' | Weight: 190lbs
CLASS OF 2020 | IL
PUNTER RATING:
- #1
Ranked Punter
Kroeger recently earned an invite to the 2019 Kohl's UnderClassman Challenge. He once again showed why he is the number 1 punter in the country by winning the charting phases of camp. His work ethic and ability to call on his "A" ball will see him as a highly recruited pure punter in the 2020 class. Kroeger had another strong showing at the Midwest Showcase in December of 2018. His punting mechanics are really smooth and he handles his long levers well. Kroeger's roll-out punting has developed as well and he is one of the best punters in his class on the move. Kroeger's four punting charts in July along with his strong performance at the Midwest Showcase in May have him in a spot to take over the top position in the 2020 class. He may be the best 2020 punter technically and most college ready player.
With Gillikin playing his 4th and final season in 2019, do we offer a scholarship to a Punter such as Kai Kroeger? Or is there another Punter on the team that could step into Gillikin's shoes?
Admitted regional bias here: walk-on Cade Pollard is from Boerne, TX, a town just a few miles northwest of San Antonio. He averaged over 44 yards per punt at Champion HS, one of the larger public schools in the area. He was also a baseball player who had some interest from Texas A&M.
Take the Kohl's, and other kicking academies', evaluations with a grain of salt. To a certain extent they are pay for play. You don't go to their camp, which aren't cheap, you don't get rated. The more programs in which a kicker is enrolled, the better his evaluations.
Will be kicking at a PSU summer camp to see if he can earn a scholarship
Penn State had one of the nation’s top specialists on campus this week for an unofficial visit. The Nittany Lions hosted Lake Forest (Ill.) punter Kai Kroeger on Wednesday, and the nation’s No. 1 player at his position according to Kohl’s Kicking came away impressed.
“It was terrific,” he said. “The coaches went out of their way to make my mom and me feel very welcome and to give me detailed insight on their program and what it is like to be a part of the Penn State family. What I saw was excellence at every level. It was a group of players and coaches that genuinely love what they are doing and like to be together. It is a really special team and Penn State is a really special place. My mom and I were so impressed.”
Penn State had one of the nation’s top specialists on campus this week for an unofficial visit. The Nittany Lions hosted Lake Forest (Ill.) punter Kai Kroeger on Wednesday, and the nation’s No. 1 player at his position according to Kohl’s Kicking came away impressed.
“It was terrific,” he said. “The coaches went out of their way to make my mom and me feel very welcome and to give me detailed insight on their program and what it is like to be a part of the Penn State family. What I saw was excellence at every level. It was a group of players and coaches that genuinely love what they are doing and like to be together. It is a really special team and Penn State is a really special place. My mom and I were so impressed.”
We have TWO straight BIG recruiting weekends prior and not one verbal.
Put me down as worried.
Damn Bat Signal light bulb burned out again??
Put me down as worried.
Damn Bat Signal light bulb burned out again??
https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/LongFormArticle/Penn-State-offers-four-recruits-who-visited-Saturday-130726874
Penn State offer could be a game-changer for Bangally Kamara
ByBILL GREENE 23 hours ago
One of the top linebacker prospects in the Midwest is Akron East three-star Bangally Kamara and the offers continue to roll in for him as he now he holds 22 in total.
Kamara, 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, has the ability to also play safety at the college level depending upon the style of defense a school runs, and that versatility is what college coaches are impressed with.
He visited Penn State on Saturday for a spring practice and to Kamara's surprise, he left Happy Valley with an offer from Nittany Lion head coach James Franklin.
"I was offered by Penn State today (Saturday) when I was there for a visit and that was a big offer for me," Kamara admitted. "I have been talking a lot to (assistant coach) Terry Smith and with Coach Franklin for a while now. I was able to tour the campus when we got there and I loved it a lot."
"I also saw the facility before we went and watched practice, and then I was called to Coach Frankin's office to meet with him and Coach Smith," he added. "That's when I got the offer and it came as a surprise. I was hoping they would offer but they didn't tell me in advance it was going to happen today."
"Basically the whole defensive staff came into the room and they told me they are offering me as a safety," he continued. "They said if I happen to grow into a linebacker that they would move me to the hybrid linebacker position, which is fine with me. When Coach Frankin offered me I thought it was really special because I loved watching Marcus Allen play there and Penn State is a great program. This one means a lot."
With other offers from such schools as Cincinnati, Michigan, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and others, where does Penn State fit in compared to those types of schools?
"I would say that this is an offer I really wanted and Penn State is really high for me," Kamara explained. "I don't really have a favorite list at all, but they are really high up there for me. They are a school I will consider highly al the way through my recruitment."
"I like the way they explained how they see me as a player and Penn State isn't too far from home for me at all," he said. "They want me to try to get back over there as soon as possible and I intend to that. I could go back for their spring game and I definitely want to go there for a game next fall."
"I might go back to camp to work with the coaches and that would give me a chance to get coached up by them," he noted. "I want to be committed before my senior season starts."
Kamara is ranked as the No. 50 outside linebacker in America by 247Sports.
Penn State offer could be a game-changer for Bangally Kamara
ByBILL GREENE 23 hours ago
One of the top linebacker prospects in the Midwest is Akron East three-star Bangally Kamara and the offers continue to roll in for him as he now he holds 22 in total.
Kamara, 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, has the ability to also play safety at the college level depending upon the style of defense a school runs, and that versatility is what college coaches are impressed with.
He visited Penn State on Saturday for a spring practice and to Kamara's surprise, he left Happy Valley with an offer from Nittany Lion head coach James Franklin.
"I was offered by Penn State today (Saturday) when I was there for a visit and that was a big offer for me," Kamara admitted. "I have been talking a lot to (assistant coach) Terry Smith and with Coach Franklin for a while now. I was able to tour the campus when we got there and I loved it a lot."
"I also saw the facility before we went and watched practice, and then I was called to Coach Frankin's office to meet with him and Coach Smith," he added. "That's when I got the offer and it came as a surprise. I was hoping they would offer but they didn't tell me in advance it was going to happen today."
"Basically the whole defensive staff came into the room and they told me they are offering me as a safety," he continued. "They said if I happen to grow into a linebacker that they would move me to the hybrid linebacker position, which is fine with me. When Coach Frankin offered me I thought it was really special because I loved watching Marcus Allen play there and Penn State is a great program. This one means a lot."
With other offers from such schools as Cincinnati, Michigan, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and others, where does Penn State fit in compared to those types of schools?
"I would say that this is an offer I really wanted and Penn State is really high for me," Kamara explained. "I don't really have a favorite list at all, but they are really high up there for me. They are a school I will consider highly al the way through my recruitment."
"I like the way they explained how they see me as a player and Penn State isn't too far from home for me at all," he said. "They want me to try to get back over there as soon as possible and I intend to that. I could go back for their spring game and I definitely want to go there for a game next fall."
"I might go back to camp to work with the coaches and that would give me a chance to get coached up by them," he noted. "I want to be committed before my senior season starts."
Kamara is ranked as the No. 50 outside linebacker in America by 247Sports.
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2019/03/penn-state-recruiting-notes-lions-sending-out-offers-but-is-a-commitment-close-top-targets-trending-elsewhere-more.html
Penn State recruiting notes: Lions sending out offers, but is a commitment close? Top targets trending elsewhere, more
Today 5:33 AM
Gallery: Penn State football practice, March 20, 2019
By Greg Pickel | gpickel@pennlive.com
The Penn State recruiting world has been relatively quiet since spring practice kicked off in mid-March, as the Nittany Lions have hosted prospects, sent out offers, and set up future opportunities for when the official visit window opens on April 1.
What the Lions have not picked up since February, however, is a verbal commitment.
Head coach James Franklin and his staff have become known for reeling in some of the biggest fish in each class and also have inked top-15 groups in each of the last few seasons. The program upgraded its recruiting team this offseason with two strong pitchmen and developers of talent in receivers coach Gerad Parker and special teams coordinator Joe Lorig to go along with the strong squad Franklin had already assembled for on-field guidance and off-field efforts like recruiting.
Every cycle is different, but one certainty during the Franklin era is that commitments tend to come in bulk.
Will it be the case this year? Here’s what we’re watching for as the calendar readies to flip ahead to April.
Is there a space problem?
With five commitments already in the boat, Penn State officially has 20 spots available in the Class of 2020.
For those in need of a refresher, the quintet of pledges who are in so far can be viewed below in chronological order:
--Three-star Michigan offensive lineman Grant Toutant
--Four-star Florida linebacker Derek Wingo
--Four-star Maryland corner Josh Moten
--Four-star Maryland linebacker Curtis Jacobs
--Three-star Nevada quarterback Micah Bowen
The number of players who have expiring eligibility after the 2019 season leaves the Lions with about 15 expected open spots total for the next cycle. Considering the team had five NFL Draft early entrants and over 10 transfers this offseason, it’s fair to think the numbers might be in that ballpark again, which should leave the team with room for 22-25 signees in this class when all is said and done.
Are the Lions top targets trending away?
It’s been no secret over the last six months that Penn State’s top 2020 target on offense is Southern Columbia five-star receiver, Julian Fleming. On defense, it is five-star Damascus, Md., end Bryan Bresee.
Penn State, at one point in time, seemed to be in the driver’s seat for both. That no longer appears to be the case.
The 247Sports’ Crystal Ball prediction tool, which is about the best feature on the Internet when it comes to figuring out where a recruit will go, has long favored Clemson for Bresee, and that continues unchanged as the Lions aim to get him on campus this spring.
With Fleming, the predictions still favor Penn State, but there is no question that a Clemson pick from 247Sports’ lead national expert Steve Wiltfong has made many uneasy.
It’s not time to worry about Fleming and his future commitment just yet. He visits campus often and won’t decide for quite some time. The same can be said about Bresee, too, but there is no debate that the Lions are playing from behind in that recruitment.
Owning the region is always Penn State’s goal. To do that this year, they must land both, which is no easy task.
Who is behind them on offense, defense?
The picture on offense is a little bit tricky and also crowded, as a few names jump out.
Aaryn Parks, a four-star Maryland tackle, is undoubtedly right up there along with four-star Virginia back Chris Tyree and four-star Connecticut receiver Jadin Dottin. Don’t forget about Canadian tight end Theo Johnson, a three-star who is high on the board. He might be the Penn State target which is most likely to commit next at this point. Four-star Mars tackle Michael Carmody is the top PA talent behind Fleming, and then there is Allentown guard Nick Dawkins.
On defense, Jordan Morant, a four-star safety from New Jersey, probably leads the way behind Bresee. Then, there are the two five-star linebackers, Mehkail Sherman from Washington, D.C., and Antoine Sampah from Virginia, who are in this conversation as well. Looking at Pennsylvania, no Keystone State defender has been offered.
Who’s coming for the Blue-White game?
Believe it or not, it still is too early to say with any significant degree of certainty, but I’d expect to see a handful of out-of-region official visits, all of the commits, and likely Fleming. It will be an extensive list, undoubtedly.
When will the next commitment come?
Penn State’s last pledge came in late February.
When will the next one come?
The Lions have had some Saturday spring practice commitments before, but at this point, anyone who could pull the trigger now might as well wait and do it then, assuming they can make it to campus that day, to make a big splash during the biggest fan gathering of the offseason.
As for who it could be, that’s anyone’s guess, but Johnson might be a logical pick.
Any more transfer additions coming?
Short answer: Yes, someone(s) will join Florida State receiver George Campbell.
Long answer?
The hunt continues, and it was always going to be a case where a few names, like Virginia receiver Eric Kumah, would surface before March while most waited until either the spring game or after their graduation in May to show serious interest. Kumah will visit April 6, and others will be added to the calendar as the days and weeks pass on the road to camp.
It will be a long process, but one the Lions hope will make them better in the end.
Penn State recruiting notes: Lions sending out offers, but is a commitment close? Top targets trending elsewhere, more
Today 5:33 AM
Gallery: Penn State football practice, March 20, 2019
By Greg Pickel | gpickel@pennlive.com
The Penn State recruiting world has been relatively quiet since spring practice kicked off in mid-March, as the Nittany Lions have hosted prospects, sent out offers, and set up future opportunities for when the official visit window opens on April 1.
What the Lions have not picked up since February, however, is a verbal commitment.
Head coach James Franklin and his staff have become known for reeling in some of the biggest fish in each class and also have inked top-15 groups in each of the last few seasons. The program upgraded its recruiting team this offseason with two strong pitchmen and developers of talent in receivers coach Gerad Parker and special teams coordinator Joe Lorig to go along with the strong squad Franklin had already assembled for on-field guidance and off-field efforts like recruiting.
Every cycle is different, but one certainty during the Franklin era is that commitments tend to come in bulk.
Will it be the case this year? Here’s what we’re watching for as the calendar readies to flip ahead to April.
Is there a space problem?
With five commitments already in the boat, Penn State officially has 20 spots available in the Class of 2020.
For those in need of a refresher, the quintet of pledges who are in so far can be viewed below in chronological order:
--Three-star Michigan offensive lineman Grant Toutant
--Four-star Florida linebacker Derek Wingo
--Four-star Maryland corner Josh Moten
--Four-star Maryland linebacker Curtis Jacobs
--Three-star Nevada quarterback Micah Bowen
The number of players who have expiring eligibility after the 2019 season leaves the Lions with about 15 expected open spots total for the next cycle. Considering the team had five NFL Draft early entrants and over 10 transfers this offseason, it’s fair to think the numbers might be in that ballpark again, which should leave the team with room for 22-25 signees in this class when all is said and done.
Are the Lions top targets trending away?
It’s been no secret over the last six months that Penn State’s top 2020 target on offense is Southern Columbia five-star receiver, Julian Fleming. On defense, it is five-star Damascus, Md., end Bryan Bresee.
Penn State, at one point in time, seemed to be in the driver’s seat for both. That no longer appears to be the case.
The 247Sports’ Crystal Ball prediction tool, which is about the best feature on the Internet when it comes to figuring out where a recruit will go, has long favored Clemson for Bresee, and that continues unchanged as the Lions aim to get him on campus this spring.
With Fleming, the predictions still favor Penn State, but there is no question that a Clemson pick from 247Sports’ lead national expert Steve Wiltfong has made many uneasy.
It’s not time to worry about Fleming and his future commitment just yet. He visits campus often and won’t decide for quite some time. The same can be said about Bresee, too, but there is no debate that the Lions are playing from behind in that recruitment.
Owning the region is always Penn State’s goal. To do that this year, they must land both, which is no easy task.
Who is behind them on offense, defense?
The picture on offense is a little bit tricky and also crowded, as a few names jump out.
Aaryn Parks, a four-star Maryland tackle, is undoubtedly right up there along with four-star Virginia back Chris Tyree and four-star Connecticut receiver Jadin Dottin. Don’t forget about Canadian tight end Theo Johnson, a three-star who is high on the board. He might be the Penn State target which is most likely to commit next at this point. Four-star Mars tackle Michael Carmody is the top PA talent behind Fleming, and then there is Allentown guard Nick Dawkins.
On defense, Jordan Morant, a four-star safety from New Jersey, probably leads the way behind Bresee. Then, there are the two five-star linebackers, Mehkail Sherman from Washington, D.C., and Antoine Sampah from Virginia, who are in this conversation as well. Looking at Pennsylvania, no Keystone State defender has been offered.
Who’s coming for the Blue-White game?
Believe it or not, it still is too early to say with any significant degree of certainty, but I’d expect to see a handful of out-of-region official visits, all of the commits, and likely Fleming. It will be an extensive list, undoubtedly.
When will the next commitment come?
Penn State’s last pledge came in late February.
When will the next one come?
The Lions have had some Saturday spring practice commitments before, but at this point, anyone who could pull the trigger now might as well wait and do it then, assuming they can make it to campus that day, to make a big splash during the biggest fan gathering of the offseason.
As for who it could be, that’s anyone’s guess, but Johnson might be a logical pick.
Any more transfer additions coming?
Short answer: Yes, someone(s) will join Florida State receiver George Campbell.
Long answer?
The hunt continues, and it was always going to be a case where a few names, like Virginia receiver Eric Kumah, would surface before March while most waited until either the spring game or after their graduation in May to show serious interest. Kumah will visit April 6, and others will be added to the calendar as the days and weeks pass on the road to camp.
It will be a long process, but one the Lions hope will make them better in the end.
Dont'e Thornton has already verballed (WR from Maryland), but was back for a visit over the weekend
Respectfully think Thornton should be in the 2021 Recruiting thread. But he looks good in PSU Blue
It’s not over til it’s over, but I really liked the idea of these two local studs playing for Penn State.
Offers from PSU, Oklahoma, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Pitt, etc.....
Tangentially, I read that LJ is the lone remaining D coach on the tOSU staff from last year. At his age, you really wonder how long he can recruit kids (will he be there for the duration of the kid's college career).
I think so, but that might actually be a good thing for PSU... (think like a 16 year old boy here)
https://bwi.rivals.com/news/friedman-s-takeaways-roman-s-soldiers-showcase
Jalen Berger
Rivals100 running back
Jalen Berger
has quietly made some progress in his recruitment. The Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco star has been keeping in touch with coaches at a number of schools everyday. Berger didn’t single out any schools that are standing out but did mention the conversations he’s had with coaches at West Virginia and Maryland about how they would use him have caught his attention. Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State remain at the forefront of his recruitment but he doesn’t plan on releasing a short list at the moment. Berger has a trip to Oregon coming up for their spring game on April 20 and there is a chance he visits LSU during his spring break.
Jalen Berger
Rivals100 running back
Jalen Berger
has quietly made some progress in his recruitment. The Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco star has been keeping in touch with coaches at a number of schools everyday. Berger didn’t single out any schools that are standing out but did mention the conversations he’s had with coaches at West Virginia and Maryland about how they would use him have caught his attention. Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State remain at the forefront of his recruitment but he doesn’t plan on releasing a short list at the moment. Berger has a trip to Oregon coming up for their spring game on April 20 and there is a chance he visits LSU during his spring break.
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