PSU News from National Signing Day!
Head Coach James Franklin has started a new tradition at Penn State in honor of National Letter of Intent Day. A day that he says is like a holiday for him. Coach Franklin hosted “The Signature Event” to celebrate this year’s recruiting class in the Bryce Jordan Center. The day began with a press conference to discuss the future of Penn State football. Coach Franklin said the recruiting class consists of not only talented young men, but men that will make the school proud both on and off the field.
The event began with numerous performances from the Blue Band, twirlers, Lionettes and cheerleaders. Joshua Johnson, a student who has become famous for tap dancing in the New York City subways to raise money for his tuition, roused the crowd along with students Brittany Hicks and Chris Carmody who performed their original song titled “Diamonds In The Air” in honor of the upcoming THON Dance Marathon.
Former Penn State football star, Lavar Arrington, sat down with Coach Franklin and introduced all 25 members of this year’s recruiting class.
NAME -POSITION- HIGH SCHOOL
De’Andre Thompkins -WR- Swansboro (Swansboro, NC)
Michael O’Connor – PRO- IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Tarow Barney -DT- Northwest Mississippi C.C. (Senatobia, MS)
Antoine White -DT- Millville (Millville, NJ)
Chasz Wright -OT- Milford Academy (New Berlin, NY)
Saeed Blacknall -WR- Manalapan (Englishtown, NJ)
Chris Godwin -WR- Middletown (Middletown, DE)
Mike Gesicki -TE- Southern Reg (Manahawkin, NJ)
Marcus Allen –S- Dr. Henry Wise (Upper Marlboro, MD)
Troy Apke –WR- Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh, PA)
Koa Farmer -S- Notre Dame (Riverside, CA)
Johnathan Thomas -RB- St. John’s Prep (Danvers, MA)
Troy Reeder -ILB- Salesianum (Wilmington, DE)
Noah Beh -OT- Scranton Prep (Scranton, PA)
Nick Scott -ATH- Fairfax (Fairfax, VA)
Trace McSorley -DUAL- Briar Woods (Ashburn, VA)
Daquan Worley -CB- Coatesville Area (Coatesville, PA)
Grant Haley -CB- Lovett School (Atlanta, GA)
Amani Oruwariye -CB- Gaither (Tampa, FL)
Brendan Brosnan -OT- Maine South (Park Ridge, IL)
Chance Sorrell -OT- Middletown (Middletown, OH)
Mark Allen -RB- DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD)
Christian Campbell -S- Central (Phenix City, AL)
Jason Cabinda -ATH- Hunterdon Central (Flemington, NJ)
Torrence Brown -ATH- Tuscaloosa Academy (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Coach Franklin could not stress enough the amount of support that is needed from the community. He encourages everyone to come out and support their state school at the Blue-White game on April 12, 2014.
Credits:
Produced by Vogt Media