Penn State will host a four-star receiver committed to West Virginia this weekend.
With the early signing period approaching rapidly, Penn State could be looking to make some good final pushes for some key recruits to fill out its Class of 2023. And one piece that got away from them earlier within the state could be a prime candidate for a potential flip.
Four-star wide receiver [autotag]Rodney Gallagher[/autotag], a Pennsylvania native, is set to pay a visit to Penn State for this weekend’s home game against Michigan State. This is notable because Gallagher is currently committed to West Virginia, and Penn State just had a wide receiver from its Class of 2023 lineup decommit from Penn State.
Gallagher committed to West Virginia in May of this year, roughly a month after making an unofficial visit to Penn State in the spring. Despite being committed to the Mountaineers, Gallagher also paid an official visit to Oklahoma State in June, just a few weeks after committing to West Virginia and a couple of weeks after making an official visit to Morgantown following his commitment.
Gallagher would be a massive flip for Penn State. He is the third-best recruit overall in the state of Pennsylvania according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Penn State already has a commitment from the top in-state recruit, offensive tackle [autotag]J’ven Williams[/autotag], the No. 2 recruit with edge rusher [autotag]Ta’Mere Robinson[/autotag], and the No. 4 recruit in the state, edge rusher [autotag]Jameial Lyons[/autotag] from Philadelphia.
West Virginia also has one other top 10 player from Pennsylvania in its Class of 2023 lineup with linebacker [autotag]Josiah Trotter[/autotag], the son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
We’ll be sure to keep a close look at any potential recruiting developments coming out of this weekend as Penn State wraps up its regular season at home against Michigan State.
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Penn State came up short on the recruiting effort for this son of a former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker.
Entering today, Penn State had the fourth-ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports, and they will end the day with the same ranking as they missed out on a coveted four-star recruit.
Class of 2023 linebacker Josiah Trotter, out of St. Joseph’s Prep School in Philadelphia, committed to West Virginia after naming Temple, Notre Dame, Clemson, and Penn State as finalists along with the Mountaineers. Trotter was a highly coveted linebacking recruit with 14 listed offers from big-time schools on 247Sports.
Trotter announced his commitment to West Virginia with an image on his Twitter account on Friday afternoon.
While it would have been nice to land Trotter, Penn State has still made solid ground on the defensive side of things in recruiting in recent years. Penn State continues sending players to the NFL under [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag], and perhaps even more so now with new defensive coordinator [autotag]Manny Diaz[/autotag] coaching them up.
So far the 2023 class has a heavy focus on the offensive line, four of nine recruits, whereas on defense they have just one player. This would have served as a nice kickstart to things but they are still in on several top recruits. Landing any one of players like four-star Semaj Bridgeman or three-star James Heard, both are located within Pennsylvania so that always lends a helping hand to recruiting.
Those are just two of many names that Penn State is still in on. Nittany Lions Wire will continue to keep you up to date on all signings as they happen. In the meantime, as Penn State looks to bulk up its roster, be sure to follow the transfer portal as well. Things are constantly happening and pieces are constantly moving so stay tuned!
Son of former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter to announce his college decision later this month. Penn State, Clemson, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia Tech in the mix.
Penn State is in the thick of a notable recruiting battle for an in-state four-star linebacker, and a decision date has been set on the calendar for a commitment announcement. Four-star linebacker [autotag]Josiah Trotter[/autotag] announced, via Twitter, that he will be committing to his school of choice on Friday, April 15 (his birthday).
Trotter previously updated his recruiting status by revealing his top five schools in late February. Penn State was among the five schools remaining in his recruiting process, along with Clemson, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech, of course, is currently coached by former Penn State defensive coordinator [autotag]Brent Pry[/autotag]. Trotter’s older brother, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., signed with Clemson in 2021.
Trotter is among the top recruits from within Pennsylvania, which naturally makes him a top target for head coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] and his staff, including new defensive coordinator [autotag]Manny Diaz[/autotag].
Despite being so close to an announcement, there has yet to be a single crystal ball prediction made on 247Sports, so gauging a favorite to land Trotter appears to be pretty tricky with under two weeks to go until a decision is announced. But the On3Sports prediction machine, however, has West Virginia as an overwhelming favorite with a 90.2% chance of receiving Trotter’s commitment.
I will be committing on my birthday on April 15th!⏳
Penn State is in the mix for a handful of big targets in the Class of 2023
As we get closer to the 2022 NFL draft, Penn State head coach James Franklin and the rest of the coaching staff have had a busy past few months on the recruiting trail.
The Nittany Lions have skyrocketed up the transfer portal rankings while still having a few players on their radar.
The first player on the radar for Penn State is 2023 four-star linebacker Josiah Trotter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Trotter recently dropped his top five schools, which included the Nittany Lions in the mix.
Trotter had a good amount of offers across the nation. One team to keep an eye on in his top five is Virginia Tech, who now has former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry as head coach. However, it doesn’t seem too surprising that a talented linebacker like Trotter would have Penn State as one of his final teams. We all know the history of linebackers coming out of State College.
This next recruit would be a massive addition for Penn State. Five-star offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor released his top seven schools earlier this month.
BREAKING: Five-Star OT Kadyn Proctor is down to 7️⃣ Schools!
The 6’8 330 OT from Des Moines, Iowa is ranked as the No. 5 Player in the 2023 Class (No. 1 OT)
He has a few visits coming up in the next few months, including Penn State at the end of April. The Nittany Lions have an impressive recruiting class of offensive linemen over the next two years, and Proctor would be a blockbuster recruit for them.
The last player released his top 12 in January, with Penn State making the cut. Four-star wide receiver Christian Hamilton has had an impressive high school career and has proven to be both elusive and reliable as a return man. There hasn’t been too much talk about Hamilton and his recruiting process. So it’s likely we won’t hear much for a while.
Both the recruiting train and transfer portal have been very impressive for the Nittany Lions. All three would be nice additions. Their 2022 class has already opened the eyes of coaches and analysts, and the future of Penn State football looks to be very bright.
The Clemson Insider has learned that Dabo Swinney stopped by the high school of a four-star linebacker with ties to the Clemson program, earlier this week. There’s more to this past Wednesday’s visit than meets the eye. Clemson’s head coach was at …
The Clemson Insider has learned that Dabo Swinney stopped by the high school of a four-star linebacker with ties to the Clemson program, earlier this week.
There’s more to this past Wednesday’s visit than meets the eye.
Clemson’s head coach was at St. Joe’s Prep (Philadelphia, PA.), which is home to Josiah Trotter, who is, of course, the younger brother of Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who just wrapped up his freshman season with the Tigers in 2021.
Their father, Jeremiah Trotter, Sr., was a four-time Pro Bowler who played 12 NFL seasons for the Eagles, Redskins and Buccaneers from 1998-2009.
Clemson extended an offer to Josiah last June. He explained to TCI in an interview last August what makes the Tigers one of his top schools.
“What they do with their players and helping them for the future, not just from a football aspect, but just bringing them forward for when they’re out of college and they’re preparing them for life as well,” he said. “Also, preaching the word of God and everything like that.”
This past Monday, Josiah announced a top eight featuring Clemson along with Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and South Carolina.
Josiah (6-2, 225) is ranked as high as the No. 183 overall prospect in the 2023 class by ESPN, which considers him the No. 7 inside linebacker in the class.
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As part of its 2021 signing class, Clemson inked former four-star linebacker and St. Joseph’s Prep School (Philadelphia, Pa.) product Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. – the son of Jeremiah Trotter, Sr., a four-time Pro Bowler who played 12 NFL seasons for the …
As part of its 2021 signing class, Clemson inked former four-star linebacker and St. Joseph’s Prep School (Philadelphia, Pa.) product Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. – the son of Jeremiah Trotter, Sr., a four-time Pro Bowler who played 12 NFL seasons for the Eagles, Redskins and Buccaneers from 1998-2009.
Now, the Tigers are targeting another talented linebacker from St. Joseph’s Prep – Trotter, Jr.’s younger brother, Josiah, a four-star prospect in the 2023 class who named Clemson one of his top eight schools earlier this week, along with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
Another standout prospect from St. Joseph’s drawing early interest from Clemson is David Washington, Jr., a 6-foot, 185-pound sophomore wide receiver in the class of 2024.
Washington has built a bond with his teammate Josiah and hopes to travel back to Tiger Town with Josiah moving forward to see and learn more about Clemson.
“Me and Josiah have a good relationship on and off the field,” Washington told The Clemson Insider. “I go work out at his house sometimes. And he is a good teammate on and off the field. He is a leader, we look up to him. And since he just dropped his top 8 with Clemson being one of the schools, I want to go on a visit with him to Clemson.”
Washington was on campus at Clemson last summer, when he competed at the Dabo Swinney Camp.
“It was great,” he said, reflecting on his experience at the camp. “They were my favorite college. It was a good experience for me. I got to go against top players in the nation over there, and I did good. I played against seniors. I went in there as a sophomore. They moved me up, so I think I did great.”
St. Joseph’s Prep School (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2024 WR David Washington Jr. (photo from Washington Jr. (@dwjr25) on Twitter)
When he worked out with Clemson wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham at the Swinney Camp, Grisham let Washington know that he’s firmly on the Tigers’ future recruiting radar for receivers in the 2024 class.
“He said he liked me a lot,” Washington said of Grisham. “He said I’m definitely going to be one of the players they recruit in the long run, and he said he wants me to get back up there for a visit and everything, come down for a game. I didn’t really get a chance to because of our season and everything. But I definitely want to get back up there.”
Washington thinks highly of who Grisham is, both on the field as a coach and simply off the field as an individual.
“He’s a good coach. He’s a great person, too,” Washington said. “He was being straight up with me. If I did something bad, he would tell me that. If I did something good, he would tell me that. He cares. He was showing a good relationship with me and my dad that was with me at the camp. He’s a good person and a good coach.”
Whenever he makes it back to Clemson, Washington is looking to get a better feel for the school, campus and coaching staff, as well as get a taste of the Tigers’ famous pregame tradition, running down the hill.
“I just want to know more about the school, take a visit around the campus and everything,” he said. “I want to run down the hill because that’s one of the best entrances in college football. That’s very nice. I just want to get to know the coaches and everything. That’s my favorite college and everything, so I do want (an offer from) them.”
Tennessee, Kentucky, Penn State, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Boston College, West Virginia and Temple have all offered Washington, while schools such as Ole Miss and Rutgers are showing interest along with Clemson.
Adding Clemson to his offer list down the road is a dream for Washington.
“I’ve been liking them for a while, for years now,” he said. “So, just growing up, showing how good they are, going against the best schools, against Alabama, all that, going against the top players in the nation… It’s a dream come true for anybody that can go there. I just want to be one of them that get that.”
What will the school that lands Washington’s commitment be getting in him as a player in the future?
“I feel like they’re going to get the best in me,” he said. “I feel like I’m a competitor. I love to compete. Even if I lose, I get back up, I still ball out, show out. They’re going to get somebody good. Wherever I commit to, they’re going to get a great player.”
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Clemson made the cut Monday for a top linebacker prospect in the 2023 class, who is the brother of a current Tiger defender. St. Joseph’s Prep School (Philadelphia, Pa.) four-star Josiah Trotter announced a top eight featuring Clemson along with …
Clemson made the cut Monday for a top linebacker prospect in the 2023 class, who is the brother of a current Tiger defender.
St. Joseph’s Prep School (Philadelphia, Pa.) four-star Josiah Trotter announced a top eight featuring Clemson along with Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and South Carolina.
Trotter (6-2, 225) is ranked as high as the No. 183 overall prospect in the 2023 class by ESPN, which considers him the No. 7 inside linebacker in the class.
Of course, Trotter is the younger brother of Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who just wrapped up his freshman season with the Tigers in 2021.
Their father, Jeremiah Trotter, Sr., was a four-time Pro Bowler who played 12 NFL seasons for the Eagles, Redskins and Buccaneers from 1998-2009.
Clemson extended an offer to Josiah last June. He explained to The Clemson Insider in an interview last August what makes the Tigers one of his top schools.
“What they do with their players and helping them for the future, not just from a football aspect, but just bringing them forward for when they’re out of college and they’re preparing them for life as well,” he said. “Also, preaching the word of God and everything like that.”
First off I would like to thank God, I would not be here without him. I would like to thank all the coaches who have offered me to be able to play at the next level. I will be focusing on these 8 schools for the remainder of my process.@rledits24@BrianDohn247pic.twitter.com/vb13cIIjnv
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The Clemson Insider has learned the whereabouts of yet another Clemson coach on the recruiting trail. After visiting with Glenwood School (Phenix City, Ala.) five-star cornerback A.J. Harris, Clemson cornerbacks coach made his way back up North. …
The Clemson Insider has learned the whereabouts of yet another Clemson coach on the recruiting trail.
Reed was at St. Joe’s Prep on Friday evening, on hand to presumably watch 2023 four-star linebacker Josiah Trotter and 2024 four-star cornerback Omillio Agard.
Trotter, the younger brother of Clemson freshman linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., included the Tigers in his top-4 after he visited the Dabo Swinney Camp this past summer. He ranks as the No. 21 linebacker in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports Composite.
“The relationship with the coaching staff is great,” Trotter said. “I really like the whole coaching staff and what they preach over there. My relationship with Coach Venables, Coach Reed, I just love the whole coaching staff and what they have going on over there.”
“He’s trying to get me down for a game,” Agard told TCI back in early August. “He emphasized that because he wants me to see the culture and see how it is in The Valley. I’m definitely gonna try to get down for a game and see how it is.”
“Clemson is definitely at the top right now,” he added. “We’re gonna see if I can go down and visit and go from there.”
Agard ranks as the No. 5 cornerback and No. 31 overall prospect in the 2024 class, per 247Sports.
TCI can also tell you that Reed was at Archbishop Wood High School (Warminster, PA.) earlier Friday. Since Sept. 1, Clemson has consistently shown interest in Semaj Bridgeman, another Philadelphia linebacker in the 2023 class.
Bridgeman has been keeping in touch with Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, but it was Reed who was at his high school on Friday.
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The brother of a current Tiger is heavily considering Clemson. Philadelphia (PA.) St. Joseph’s Prep four-star linebacker Josiah Trotter recently caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his current recruitment and what he’s been hearing from …
The brother of a current Tiger is heavily considering Clemson.
Philadelphia (PA.) St. Joseph’s Prep four-star linebacker Josiah Trotter recently caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his current recruitment and what he’s been hearing from Clemson lately.
He maintained that while the Tigers are obviously a part of his top-4, they definitely remain high on his list.
Trotter talked to Brent Venables about a month ago. Since he has to be the one who contacts Clemson’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach until Sept. 1, it’s been difficult to maintain constant contact as they both prepared for the season.
Trotter estimated that come that time, he certainly expects to hear from Venables a lot more.
“The relationship with the coaching staff is great,” Trotter told TCI. “I really like the whole coaching staff and what they preach over there. My relationship with Coach Venables, Coach Reed, I just love the whole coaching staff and what they have going on over there.”
Clemson had been recruiting Trotter for quite some time before officially offering him a scholarship back on June 1. Trotter soon made his way down for the Dabo Swinney Camp and an unofficial visit to Clemson’s campus, prior to releasing his top-4 list last month.
Trotter is now down Clemson, South Carolina, Penn State and Ohio State. What was it about Clemson that made Trotter want to include the Tigers among his final schools?
“What they do with their players and helping them for the future, not just from a football aspect, but just bringing them forward for when they’re out of college and they’re preparing them for life as well,” he said. “Also, preaching the word of God and everything like that.”
Additionally, Trotter mentioned how Venables builds a close relationship with his players as another factor.
And, he would know.
Trotter’s older brother, Jeremiah, is a freshman linebacker on Clemson’s football team and a former top recruit himself.
“I know he’s been saying how it’s been fun over there, he’s really enjoying his time,” Trotter said. “I haven’t really heard anything bad about (Clemson) at all. He’s just having a good time with it.
The Trotter brothers have a pretty close relationship and while Josiah would love to play with Jeremiah in college, he doesn’t think that’ll play much into how he makes his decision.
Josiah really believes that Venables and Dabo Swinney want him there, and it’s not just because of his brother.
Trotter is planning on making it back down to The Valley for a game this season. He’ll be able to take in a game-day visit, while also getting the chance to see his older brother make his mark on the field. He’s also hoping to potentially make a visit after his junior season.
Trotter’s planning on honing back in on his recruitment following the completion of this season. He reiterated that he’s in “no rush” to make a decision anytime soon. Trotter doesn’t have a set date just yet but estimated that a decision will likely become before the start of his senior season.
Speaking of his junior season, Trotter is aiming to be the best linebacker in the country.
Right now, he currently ranks as the nation’s No. 21 linebacker and No. 6 overall prospect in the state of Pennsylvania in the 2023 class, per the 247Sports Composite.
He constitutes his strengths as stopping the run, his football acumen, his ability in pass coverage and taking on blocks in the run game.
What has Clemson and specifically Venables told Trotter that they like about his game?
“I know he said that he would like to see me at the MIKE, he likes me at the MIKE right now,” Trotter said. “He likes my I.Q., my anticipation within, and just my ability in the run game and the passing game.”
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Clemson and Mike Reed continue to express interest in this talented cornerback from the Class of 2024. Omillio Agard (5-11, 170) is already one of the best players at his position across the nation. Hailing from Philadelphia’s St. Joe’s prep, the …
Clemson and Mike Reed continue to express interest in this talented cornerback from the Class of 2024.
Omillio Agard (5-11, 170) is already one of the best players at his position across the nation. Hailing from Philadelphia’s St. Joe’s prep, the 2024 cornerback was recently named a MaxPreps sophomore first-team All-American.
Additionally, he was selected as a Rivals five-star underclassman back in May.
Since Agard’s last conversation with The Clemson Insider, he’s only spoken with Reed one time.
It’s training camp time for St. Joe’s Prep and he’s 100% locked in. Agard also knows that Clemson’s cornerbacks’ coach is in the same boat as the Tigers prepare for their own season, so he doesn’t want to necessarily bother Reed.
When Agard last spoke with Reed, it was about him getting down to Clemson.
“He’s trying to get me down for a game,” Agard said. “He emphasized that because he wants me to see the culture and see how it is in The Valley. I’m definitely gonna try to get down for a game and see how it is.”
While he’s currently focused on training camp, he’s going to sit down with his father in the near future and talk about what schools they’re going to visit.
“Clemson is definitely at the top right now,” Agard said. “We’re gonna see if I can go down and visit and go from there.”
Clemson isn’t exactly around the corner for the Philadelphia native, but it certainly does help that one of his former teammates in Jermiah Trotter, Jr. has immersed himself into Tiger Town, while his younger brother, Josiah, has a great interest in following in his older brother’s footsteps.
“It definitely does [help] because I want to go down there and see Jeremiah again and see how he feels about Clemson and really tell me how it is,” Agard said. “I’ve heard it’s a brotherhood and that’s what our school at Prep is. I know that’s why Josiah is gonna be high on Clemson, not just ‘cause his brother is there, but how they treat their athletes.”
Agard is close with all of his teammates, but he’s particularly close with Josiah, who recently included Clemson in his top-4 after camping in Tiger Town this summer.
What has the younger Trotter brother told Agard about his experience down at Clemson this summer?
“That the coaches show mad love and they’re really genuine and straightforward, ” Agard said. “They don’t sugar-coat anything or try to lie to you.”
That’s comparable to what Agard is looking for in a school at the next level.
“I’m really just looking for a school that has my best interests at heart,” he said. “I don’t want anything behind the scenes that I don’t know about. I just want straight forward, where’s my role on the team going to be and how important I am to the team. I see that through contact and going on visits.”
As for this coming season, Agard is aiming to deliver a fourth straight State Championship for his high school.
He stars at cornerback, while he’s also the team’s kick returner. Right now, he’s focusing on honing in on his technique and working on his speed. He’s been staying after practice to work on his conditioning as well.
Agard tries to take pieces from some of his friends, who happen to be in the NFL and attempt to emulate their games. Agard has become friends with former South Carolina cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Jaycee Horn.
Gilmore reached out to Agard over Instagram and told him that he’s been watching him for a long time now. They got in contact after that. He got his number and they talk and text from time to time. They talk about things outside of football as well.
Agard trains with the same people as Horn. The Carolina Panthers 2021 first-round pick had been watching Agard and they met at a training session. Ever since then, they’ve been “locked in.”
“It’s actually crazy, It’s really a dream come true,” he said of his relationships with both Gilmore and Horn. “You always pick pieces, a part of everybody’s game that plays your position on the next, next level. But to know them and actually have a relationship with them and actually have insight on how to get better that a lot of people would not know from just watching their film…it’s amazing and it’s a blessing to have people that see so much in me and can help me get to the level they’re at now.”
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