Penn State football lands Jaylen Harvey: How does 4-star DE impact recruiting class?

Penn State football received a commitment Monday from four-star defensive end Jaylen Harvey. Here’s what you need to know:

• The 6-3, 250-pound Harvey plays at Quince Orchard High School in Maryland.
• He’s rated as the 13th-best prospect in Maryland and 360th overall in the Class of 2024 in the 247Sports Composite.
• Harvey picked Penn State over Maryland and USC.

🚨The moment when Rivals250 DE Jaylen Harvey committed to Penn State 🚨@PennStateRivals @JaylenHarvey_
🎥 @RivalsFriedman

— Rivals (@Rivals) October 16, 2023

What does Harvey’s commitment mean for Penn State?

It’s a pledge that was a long time coming. Penn State seemed ready to secure Harvey’s commitment following his official visit in June, but Harvey pumped the brakes. He visited Florida, USC, Ohio State and nearby Maryland in the following weeks.

Advertisement

We’ve heard countless times over the years that James Franklin tries to talk recruits out of committing to make sure they’re positive before they actually do so. In this instance, Harvey and his family took their time and were thorough before making Monday’s announcement.

Harvey returned to Penn State’s campus for the White Out game against Iowa in September. After Penn State’s shutout win, it became abundantly clear how much Franklin wanted to land Harvey. As Franklin worked his way through the line of recruits who were brought down to the sideline after the game, the head coach aggressively hugged Harvey.

The reminder that recruiting never stops

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) September 24, 2023

Where does Penn State’s class stand?

This class likely won’t be adding too many more commitments, given that it’s already at 24. While we won’t know for sure how much roster turnover there will be because of NFL departures and potential transfers, Penn State signed 23 players in 2023 and 25 in 2022. The Nittany Lions have supplemented the roster well via the transfer portal during this time too.

Harvey is the 17th four-star recruit to commit to Penn State in this class, a group headlined by top-50 Belle Vernon (Pa.) running back Quinton Martin. The class ranks 12th in the 247Sports Composite.

(Photo of James Franklin: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)