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Penn State coach addresses recruiting conundrum
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On Tuesday, coach Bill O'Brien discussed the possible struggles he could face with recruiting in the next few years, revealing some of his plans for addressing the challenge.
"That's a strategy we're talking about every day," he said.
O'Brien said that at each home game so far this year about 40 to 50 recruits have visited. In the same vein he explained to his players this summer, he says he explains to recruits about how Beaver Stadium provides an environment and attendance few stadiums could match.
O'Brien has also started inviting NFL scouts to practices. He said that a scout from every NFL team has been to at least one practice this year.
Since the sanctions were levied in July, Penn State has lost five recruits and received three commitments - from defensive back Jordan Smith, defensive back Kasey Gaines and offensive lineman Tanner Hartman. All are two-star players. O'Brien acknowledged recruiting would not be easy but tries to focus on the parts of the program he can showcase.
"Okay, the numbers, the numbers are not equal to the other teams out there," O'Brien said. "We understand that. As a staff we have to do a great job of understanding that. But at the end of the day, you know, I've been very, very impressed with the fact that people really, really enjoy being recruited by us."
First Published October 2, 2012 12:00 am
