Over the years, many young men from across the country have signed letters of intent to play football at Penn State. These talented athletes were mesmerized by the grandeur surrounding former head coach Joe Paterno and his legacy at Penn State. However, these same young men currently find themselves in a difficult position after this morning’s news.
After reviewing the Freeh Report, the NCAA unveiled their plan to punish the university. Among the different sanctions forced upon Penn State was the ability for any eligible athlete to transfer to any university and be eligible at that institution immediately.
Penn State is a perennial contender within the Big 10 conference and that is one reason Penn State excels at recruiting athletes. After losing scholarships and being panned from the postseason until 2015, the only recruiting that will be done at Penn State is that of its own student athletes by other programs.
Here are the athletes that will attract the most interest:
RB Silas Redd, Junior
Recently named to the 2012 Doak Walker Award Watch List and the 2012 Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List, Redd returns to the Nittany Lions backfield after accumulating 1,241 yards last year and seven touchdowns. Along his way to his career season, the running back produced five straight 100 yard games, including a 164 yard performance against Northwestern. He is without question the biggest offensive threat Penn State possesses and will be highly sought after my opposing universities. There are numerous teams that could use a boost at running back and conference rival, Ohio State, is a team to watch if Redd does decide to transfer. The Buckeyes recently lost their top back to injury and could use Redd to help out their backfield situation.
DT Jordan Hill, Senior
While playing behind Devon Still, the 2012 second pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, Jordan Hill made an impact for the Penn State defensive line with eight tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Also leading the Big 10 in fumble recoveries, Hill was recognized for his talent by being named to the 2012 Outland Trophy Watch List. The 300 pound Hill is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line and can be a tremendous run-blocker for any team.
LB Gerald Hodges, Senior
Hodges was extremely successful during his senior year and is a reason why Penn State is called “Linebacker-U”. Last season, Hodges compiled 106 tackles and 4.5 sacks along the way to 2011 first-team All-Big Ten Honors. He has improved every year he has step foot on the gridiron and has been recognized as one of the nation’s top linebackers by being named to the 2012 Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, and Rotary Lombardi Award Watch Lists. Teams needing a heavy hitter in their linebacker corps will try to convince Hodges to leave the Nittany Lions for their own programs.
