James Franklin’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 15 in the nation. It features a group, particularly at wide receiver and cornerback, that could make an immediate impact for the Nittany Lions, though, next season not on Tuesday night against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff Quarterfinal.
While the freshman newcomers cannot see the field for Penn State with the 2024 season still underway, a few were able to join the team in Arizona for Fiesta Bowl prep, and five 2025 freshmen saw practice reps on Sunday according to BlueWhiteIllustrated.com’s Greg Pickel and other reporters who were out at the Los Angeles Angels spring training facility where the Nittany Lions are practicing.
Offensive linemen Owen Aliciene and Michael Troutman, tight end Brian Kortovich, wide receiver Lyrick Samuel, and walk-on kicker Matthew Parker are all early enrollees who will begin classes in January and were the five newcomers spotted at practice.
According to 247Sports composite recruiting rankings, Aliciene is the most highly-touted prospect of that group, a four-star from Avon, CT, and the 31st-best offensive tackle in the country. Samuel checked in just behind Aliciene, the 6-foot-3 180-pound four-star receiver from Brooklyn, NY is also a consensus four-star and the No. 1 player from his state.
Defensive coordinator Tom Allen told reporters that, “you can’t put a price tag on all those additional reps they’re going to get.” So this group of five, or four if you exclude Parker from the equation, could be the most impactful freshman in the Blue-White Game this spring.
Penn State’s most desperate position of need is wide receiver and while Franklin has done an excellent job addressing it with veterans through the transfer portal, it’s nearly inevitable that one of the three wide receivers Franklin signed in the 2025 class will be a contributor next season. With his early participation, Samuel might have the inside track to regular-season snaps in 2025 over Matthew Outten and Koby Howard, though there is still plenty of time for that to change.
Tyseer Denmark is the only 2024 freshman wide receiver who has been close to contribution, even to a limited group, and even now he’s unlikely to be a fixture in the gameplan for Tuesday night. Penn State might need a strong freshman campaign from at least one wide receiver in 2025, and Samuel’s inclusion in Arizona this week may not mean much, but it certainly isn’t a bad sign.
The anticipation for the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal game between Penn State and their opponent is building as the team welcomes five new Class of 2025 players to their roster. The newcomers have been practicing with the team in Arizona in preparation for the big game.
The five freshmen are eager to make an impact and show their skills on the field. They have been working hard during practices, learning plays, and getting to know their teammates. The coaching staff is impressed with their dedication and talent, and believe they will be valuable assets to the team in the upcoming game.
The team is focused and determined to come out on top in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal. With the addition of these five talented newcomers, they are feeling confident and ready to take on their opponents. Stay tuned for updates on how the newcomers perform in the game and cheer on Penn State as they strive for victory! #WeArePennState #FiestaBowlBound
Tags:
- Class of 2025 newcomers
- Penn State Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal
- Arizona practice session
- Penn State football team
- Freshman football players
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