In a spring primer nearly two weeks ago that featured several pressing on the field questions, we also wondered How often will BOB do work? Things got off to a quick start as Pennsylvania defensive end Curtis Cothran committed early last week to give Penn State six verbals for the Class of 2013.

It was expected that Maryland transfer Danny O’Brien and West Virginia receiver Ryan Switzer would soon follow. It seemed like a near foregone conclusion, except it never happened. Last Wednesday, O’Brien, despite the jacket and all, opted for Wisconsin while Switzer surprisingly chose North Carolina. It marked what you could say was the first bad day for Bill O’Brien since his arrival in January. Two more targets in Philadelphia product Mike McGlinchey and DC native Devin Butler were also lost to Notre Dame.

One week later, O’Brien has recovered in the form of Greg Webb, a four star defensive tackle out of Erial, New Jersey. Webb had a scholarship offer from just about every college football program in the country including Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC. Rivals recruiting ranked Webb as the sixth best defensive tackle in the nation and the 78th overall prospect.

There are two rather significant trends developing as the class of 2013 stands at seven commits. Christian Hackenberg, Adam Breneman, Garrett Sickels, and now Webb have all chosen the Nittany Lions over national power Alabama or Big Ten rival Ohio State or both.

Penn State also seems to be building a nice base in New Jersey as Sickels, Brendan Mahon, and now Webb have all chosen Happy Valley out of the Garden State. (Cue frustration from post 2006 Rutgers fans) Webb, especially, will be important, as he will hopefully be able to follow in the recent footsteps of Jared Odrick, Ollie Ogbu, Devon Still, and Jordan Hill, who have all been impact defensive tackles under the tutelage of Larry Johnson.

This gives O’Brien some renewed momentum with the Blue-White game only two weeks away.

Perhaps in addition to more recruits, he’ll bring us some decent weather as well. Last year was painful.