How the 5 Highest-Rated Recruits of James Franklin’s Tenure Fared at Penn State
James Franklin, entering his 11th season as head coach at Penn State, has had his share of recruiting victories and disappointments. Known as one of the nation’s top recruiters, Franklin’s tenure has seen recruits that elevated the program and others that failed to meet expectations.
Here’s a look at Franklin’s top five recruits and how they panned out:
No. 5 Brandon Smith
Recruiting Profile:
- Position: Linebacker
- High School: Louisa County HS (Mineral, VA)
- 247Sports Composite: Five-star
- Rankings: Top overall prospect in Virginia, nation’s top inside linebacker (Class of 2019), No. 19 overall recruit (247Sports composite)
Recruiting Expectations: Brandon Smith was expected to be the successor to Micah Parsons at Linebacker U, with former 247Sports Scouting Director Barton Simmons predicting he would become an impact Power Five starter and potentially a first-round NFL Draft pick.
Results: Smith did not live up to these lofty expectations. He struggled to become a standout linebacker at Penn State, receiving only third-team Coaches recognition on the 2021 All-Big Ten team. In contrast, Ellis Brooks, a less heralded recruit, earned second-team honors from conference coaches.
Grade: D Despite his physical traits and athleticism, which impressed analysts like Matt Millen, Smith’s performance at Penn State did not match his high school accolades. His tenure serves as a reminder that not all top recruits translate their potential into college success.
James Franklin’s recruiting prowess has undeniably brought high-caliber talent to Penn State, but as with any top recruiter, the results have been mixed. Brandon Smith exemplifies the challenges and unpredictabilities of translating high school success to college performance. Franklin continues to seek the perfect balance in his recruiting efforts, striving for more consistent success stories as he leads Penn State into the future.
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