Penn State football picked up a recruiting commitment from running back Tiqwai Hayes on Monday, its second consecutive day with a Class of 2025 pledge. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hayes, of Aliquippa, Pa., is a four-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite.
- The 5-10, 185-pound running back is ranked 342nd nationally and No. 11 in Pennsylvania.
- Hayes has scholarship offers from the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, West Virginia, Pitt, Syracuse, Maryland, Michigan and Cincinnati, among others.
- He is the second running back in the class, joining Kiandrea Barker. Barker, who is from The Woodlands, Texas, committed to Penn State in April.
- Penn State’s 2025 class has verbal pledges from four players, with cornerback Omari Gaines and linebacker DJ McClary joining the RBs.
The White Out effect?
Penn State’s throttling of Iowa on Saturday came in front of a crowd that was littered with committed and uncommitted prospects. McClary, who announced his commitment to Penn State on Sunday, and Hayes were among the prospects at the game.
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Hayes’ commitment date at his high school had been set well in advance of his visit. Still, we’ll see what impact the win — and atmosphere — could have on other targets.
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What’s next for Penn State recruiting?
The Nittany Lions’ 2024 class has commitments from 24 players. Between now and the early signing period, there’s still work to be done to round out the group, even as attention turns to 2025 and the future.
Four-star defensive end Jaylen Harvey of Gaithersburg, Md., was among the players at the White Out. Harvey is one of the Nittany Lions’ top remaining 2024 targets. As James Franklin worked his way around the perimeter of the field, he hugged and playfully punched Harvey. Penn State has been trying to close on Harvey for months and thought it might have done so thus summer. The standout at Quince Orchard High School visited Penn State, Florida, USC and Maryland in June.
Required reading
(Photo of James Franklin: Matthew O’Haren / USA Today)
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