Under head coach James Franklin, who reminded everyone of the commitment he made to in-state recruiting nearly 11 years ago, Penn State signed the top-ranked recruit in Pennsylvania for the sixth time. However, Franklin is already anticipating the recruiting class of 2025, which does not promise to continue the run.
“We signed the top player in Pennsylvania, and we’re now enjoying a really successful run in the state. “Next year, we must repeat this,” Franklin declared on Signing Day. Although it doesn’t seem as hopeful as it has in the past few years, we’re still going to fight to finish that one as well. It is the duty of these players—Quinton Martin and Nicholas Singleton, in particular—to assist us in acquiring the state’s top player for the upcoming season. We’re very proud of that.”
A quartet of players, including Belle Vernon High’s 4-star running back Quinton Martin Jr., signed this week to join Penn State’s 2024 recruiting class. Because there was little indication of late flips or decommitment when the players signed their Letters of Intent, Franklin described the class as mainly “drama-free”. One of the more fascinating athletes in the class is Martin, a 6-1, 185-pound back who helped Belle Vernon win the PIAA state championship by rushing for 1,181 yards and 16 touchdowns.
According to 247Sports Composite, Martin signed with Penn State as the top prospect in Pennsylvania, following offensive tackle J’ven Williams. Before them, the top-ranked players in the state, including Singleton, Micah Parsons, Michal Menet, and Saquon Barkley, all pledged to Franklin. Barkley was among Franklin’s first callers on Signing Day the year prior, and he launched the run in 2015. In essence, Franklin informed Barkley that “the best players in Pennsylvania go to Penn State,” a statement that Franklin has continued to make ever since.
“I believe the best players in the region should come to Penn State,” Franklin stated. “I may be biased, but I believe that we are the greatest choice for combining football with education and being able to play at the highest level. Without disparaging any other program, we are the greatest choice inside the footprint. However, I feel and think that way.”
A few Pennsylvania No. 1 recruits have escaped Penn State’s notice. In reality, the Lions were absent for three years at a time. Nolan Rucci traveled to Wisconsin in 2021. Prior to this year, Julian Fleming attended Ohio State. Furthermore, Andrew Kristofic selected Notre Dame in 2018. Flipping over the NCAA Transfer Portal, Fleming is thinking about Penn State for his
final year of eligibility.)
Penn State updated its recruiting strategy for Pennsylvania during the 2020 recruiting cycle. Terry Smith, the associate head coach, started recruiting Philadelphia, reloading the statewide plan and making offers early.
General Manager of Personnel and Recruitment at Penn State, Andy Frank, stated in 2020 that “everyone is saturating the state and placing an emphasis on that.”
The action has yielded outcomes. Six of the top 11 players in the state were signed by Penn State in 2022. The Lions had four of the top 10 finishers last year. Eight of the top 13 players in Pennsylvania are in the class of 2024.
Martin leads the way as he follows in the footsteps of Barkley, Miles Sanders, and Singleton as another highly-regarded Pennsylvania running back to select Penn State. On Signing Day, Journey Brown gave Martin his introduction, and Ja’Juan Seider, the running backs coach, gave him a warm reception. “We’ve got the best backfield in the country, and it just got better today,” Seider stated.
Franklin informed Martin, “You’re the No. 1 player in the state of Pennsylvania,” at the program’s Signing Day ceremony. “You’re a 5-star recruit, you put up unbelievable numbers and you did it the right way.”
After participating in the Under-Armour All-America Game, Martin has decided to enroll early at Penn State. He comes into a crowded backfield that already includes London Montgomery of Scranton Prep, a highly regarded running back from Pennsylvania who redshirted this season.
Regarding next season, Imhotep Charter’s 6-foot-6 edge rusher Zahir Mathis, a 4-star prospect, is the top-ranked player in the state. Among the other schools on Mathis’ extensive offer list are Ohio State, Texas, Florida State, Alabama, and Tennessee. Franklin will therefore continue to make his pitch.
“Again, I’m a big believer for a lot of different reasons, not just Penn State’s but for the young men,” stated Franklin. That benefits everyone equally. The top athletes in Pennsylvania ought to go Penn State and remain in Pennsylvania.”
