Penn State landed its first commitment in the Class of 2028 back in late January, and Deonte Flemings is already drawing attention from some of the biggest names in the sport.
Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Tennessee and Texas A&M are all tracking the four-star defensive back, according to the reporting. Flemings, who plays at Erie (PA) McDowell High School, committed to Penn State while his freshman year was still underway, but he’s made clear he wants to take his time with the process.
“At the end of the day,” he said, “I still want to be a kid and enjoy my recruitment and make the best decision for me and my family.”
For now, Penn State remains the choice. The Nittany Lions, with coach Matt Campbell and company, are hoping that doesn’t change.
Flemings is ranked by Rivals as the No. 130 player in the country, the No. 16 defensive back and the No. 4 overall player in Pennsylvania.
He explained his early decision in a message posted the morning after he committed: “People say why so early,” Flemings wrote to social media the morning after his commitment. “It was (G)od willing and perfect timing i can focus on me now and becoming the best version of myself.”
He also pointed to the staff as a major reason Penn State stood out.
“First and foremost, I think the new coaching staff is ready to compete already and that’s one thing that I love,” Flemings told 247Sports’ Brian Dohn. “Coach Campbell is a very honest guy and family oriented that’s what it’s about to me and my family. I need somebody that’s going to be on me when my parents not around and turn me to the best version of myself.”
In Other News...
Penn States O-Line Battle Just Got More Interesting Before The Opener
Penn States interior offensive line picture got a little clearer and a little more crowded as the season opener approaches, with Texas State transfer Brock Riker now expected to handle the center spot. The Nittany Lions have been sorting through several options inside, and veteran Dom Rulli, Cooper Cousins and Iowa State transfer Trevor Buhr all remain part of that mix as the staff lines up the best combination for the first game.
Buhr looks likely to begin at left guard, giving Penn State another experienced piece in a group that has been under the microscope throughout camp. He has already singled out offensive line coaches Ryan Clanton and Jackson Scott-Brown for the detailed teaching and preparation that have helped the group get ready, but the final shape of the starting five is still the part worth watching as kickoff gets closer. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Still Has Two Big Offensive Line Jobs Up For Grabs
Ryan Clantons first training camp as Penn States offensive line coach has already turned into a test of depth as much as technique. In the opening week, he talked about the group in terms of trust and versatility, saying he already has eight linemen he feels good about, with room for that number to grow as camp goes on. For a unit that has to hold up a new season from the middle outward, that matters, because the Nittany Lions are still sorting out who fits best where and how quickly the room can settle in.
The biggest questions remain at center and left guard, where the competition is still unfolding as practices stack up. Clanton also pointed to individual development and communication as important pieces of the puzzle, which is no small thing for an offensive line trying to build cohesion early in camp. The coming days should give a clearer picture of how the depth chart is taking shape, but for now Penn State still has meaningful jobs up for grabs up front. [Read more 🡒]