Part 6/11:
Taylor’s recruitment, in particular, was heavily influenced by Terry Smith’s efforts, given his expertise in Western Pennsylvania. Yet, with the decommitment and ongoing visits elsewhere, questions arise about whether Penn State’s recruiting infrastructure can effectively hold onto top-tier prospects, especially when other programs are aggressively pursuing these players.
Implications for James Franklin’s Position
James Franklin’s reputation as a top recruiter has been a key selling point for Penn State. His claims of building elite classes and his ability to attract highly-rated prospects have been central to the program’s narrative. However, the wave of decommitments and high-profile visits to other programs threaten to undermine this narrative.