Penn State's 2017 recruiting class got a big boost on Saturday, as prized 4-star offensive lineman CJ Thorpe committed to the Nittany Lions.
Thorpe announced his commitment to Penn State on Twitter:
Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin already built a solid incoming class next season, getting commitments from five players before Thorpe.
A Pittsburgh native, Thorpe's pledge to Happy Valley is a big win for Franklin because he's keeping a star recruit close to home. He's also a highly-regarded talent, ranked as the ninth-best guard and 248th-best player in 2017, per 247Sports. The site also lists him as the No. 7 prospect in the state of Pennsylvania.
Offensive line is also an area that Penn State has been lacking the last two years, though David Jones of PennLive.com did highlight some reasons for optimism heading into next season.
"The current line improved incrementally in '15, lowering its sack total in the second half and prying a few crevices for (running back Saquon) Barkley," Jones wrote. "Relative to '02, this season it has the advantage of an established running back but the disadvantage of an inexperienced quarterback."
Barkley, who was a freshman in 2015, will love having Thorpe blocking for him. The star guard excels in the running game, per Scout.com's Brian Dohn:
Thorpe is an absolute monster as a run blocker. He fires off the ball, has a plus initial punch, can scrape the defensive linemen and get to the second level. He pumps his legs, is physical, and ha a high motor. He plays with a low pad level and often overwhelms his opponent. He is solid is pass protection, but he needs to work on his kick step and remaining patient while sitting in his base.
Even with some necessary improvements needed as a pass-protector, Thorpe gives the Nittany Lions a star in a key area. Franklin's offense is predicated on a strong running game to set up the pass, so they have to be strong up front.
Thorpe, who is listed at 6'3" and 318 pounds, is already a physical monster up front. He brings an intimidating presence and work ethic that the rest of his teammates will be able to feed off, as well as giving the Nittany Lions an attitude that can match fellow Big Ten programs like Ohio State and Michigan.
Recruit info courtesy of 247Sports.
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