There was a time when high school football players didn't receive an offer, let alone have an opportunity to commit to a school, until their senior season.
That time is long gone. And it isn't coming back.
Penn State has nine class of 2016 commitments. It has had success like many other programs, including Big Ten rivals, with landing top targets. Thus far, that fortune haven't translated into recruiting victories in the class of 2017.
They have at other Big Ten programs. For Penn State, that isn't a problem.
Ohio State is far and away the quickest moving program in a cycle with prospects that won't sign until February 2017.