Penn State football's strong start in recruiting has run into a bump in the road.
West Virginia Gatorade player of the year, Ryan Switzer has verbally committed to North Carolina over the Nittany Lions, who had long been perceived as the favorite, according to a Wednesday report on wvmetronews.com which quotes Switzer's coach at George Washington High School, Steve Edwards Jr.
"I told him 'whatever you feel good with, I feel good with.' Did it surprise me? It surprised me how soon he did it, but other than North Carolina, not after talking to him and the family included me in on the process,'' Edwards told the website.
Switzer is a running back in high school but projects as a slot receiver in college. He often draws comparisons to the New England Patriots Wes Welker.
Last weekend the Lions missed out on another player with whom they were believed to be strong, Penn Charter offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, when he announced he intended to sign with Notre Dame. Also on Wednesday, former University of Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien decided to transfer to Wisconsin after two trips to Penn State.
Both Switzer and McGlinchey were expected to visit Penn State this weekend, and there was some belief that either or both might commit to the Nittany Lions. Switzer is supposed to be holding a press conference to make an announcement at his school today. He told BlueWhite Illustrated recruiting reporter West Virginia rounded out his top three.
Penn State has six verbal commitments for its 2013 recruiting class. The Nittany Lions are expected to bring in 20-23 players in this class.
- Philip Cmor
