Kaden Saunders set the bar for Penn State’s stellar Class of 2022

Kaden Saunders, the first recruit on the board for Penn State’s Class of 2022, will bring speed to the offense and special teams

Name: Kaden Saunders

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 5′-11″

Weight: 166 lb

Hometown: Westerville, OH

High School: Westerville South

Twitter: @KSaunders03

Committed: July 25, 2020

247 Sports: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rivals.com: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overview

Penn State began compiling one of the best-recruiting classes in program history with the commitment of Class of 2022 wide receiver Kaden Saunders. Saunders, from Ohio, was the first commitment on the board for the Class of 2022 for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions, setting the bar high for what would turn out to be a top 10 recruiting class in Happy Valley.

Saunders is a speedy receiver who brings the ability to hit the fifth gear in the blink of an eye and make cuts in the open field to shake a defender when needed. Like many receivers of his nature, Saunders will probably benefit from strength training once he gets on campus, as he could stand to bulk up a little to go against some of the defensive backs he will be squaring up with down the line in Big Ten play.

Saunders has the ideal size and speed to fit into a slot receiver role, but he will add to the quality receiving unit Penn State has to work with and could be utilized in various roles to mix things up or spread things around.

Saunders also has the ideal fit for a solid special teams returner, either on kickoff or punt duty. The importance of a big kickoff return man has been diminished in recent years with changes to the kickoff rules in college football, but a possible big punt return can still be vital for any winning team. Don’t be shocked if Saunders is a player used for punt returns before getting a larger role on offense.

[listicle id=10794]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.