This week I’ll discuss one of Penn State’s most highly rated recruits, offensive tackle Michal Menet.

Menet’s commitment to Penn State is important for a number of reasons that rankings cannot describe. Besides being ranked as a four-star by three recruiting services, and a five-star by a fourth, Menet will fill a position of need for the Nittany Lions, and as a high school player many are predicting that he could fill in a spot on the offensive line as a true freshman. He is also rated by three of the four major recruiting services as the top player in the state of Pennsylvania. Ratings may be just ratings, but this helps James Franklin hold true to his promise to “dominate the state” year in and year out on the recruiting board.

At 6’5”, 273 lbs., Menet already is nearly the ideal size for an offensive tackle as a high school senior. He is a known leader of his team, the 8-0 Exeter Township Eagles. His highlight reel shows ludicrous potential on the offensive line, as he dominates the (considerably weaker) competition in all of his matchups.

Something that isn’t seen in Menet’s tapes or on his stat sheets, however, is his mind for the game. Menet is a very strong player instinctually and his football brain is already prepared for the next level. Although Menet is a tackle by trade, many feel that he could step in for Penn State at any spot on the line, including the mentally and physically demanding center position.

Penn State was fortunate enough to gain Menet’s commitment over Duke on May 29 of this year. Menet held an offer from every big football school imaginable, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State. His decision ultimately came down to two schools known for their academic prowess. This is always a positive when it comes to recruiting because it shows that a recruit has his head on straight and is making the most of his recruitment process.

His commitment is as important as any for the Franklin administration for a number of reasons, and as a dedicated student and athlete, Menet should be able to bring a lot of positives to Penn State both on and off the field.