Penn State’s 2022 recruiting class saw several true freshmen — highlighted by Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Abdul Carter — make immediate contributions.

James Franklin hopes the 2023 class, announced Wednesday, will do the same.

“We felt we had more kids who could play early last year, and we feel the same way about this class,” Franklin said of the Lions’ new group that includes 22 players. “We’re very happy with the class. There’s a lot of balance on offense and defense and from little guys to big guys, it’s a good mix.”

Eleven of the signees will be early enrollees in January — tight ends Mega Barnwell and Joey Schlaffer, offensive linemen Alex Birchmeier, J’ven Williams and Anthony Donkoh, defensive backs Lamont Payne Jr., Elliot Washington II and Zion Tracy, linebackers Ta’Mere Robinson and Tony Rojas and quarterback Jaxon Smolik.

Smolik hails from Iowa. When Franklin scouted him late in the season, he noticed Smolik’s “massive hands. We saw him in the wind and rain, and he wasn’t phased.”

At Brashear, linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson drew Ohio State, Michigan and Clemson — “a who’s who in college football,” Franklin said.

The Nittany Lions signed 15 recruits that were rated four stars or higher by 247Sports, On3, ESPN or Rivals.

Penn State landed six players from Pennsylvania, and nine came from within a 200-mile radius of State College. The Nittany Lions’ class features players from nine different states.

“We did a great job in the state and keeping the best players at home,” Franklin said, “but also having a presence in New York and Maryland and the region. And we’re branching out (to Alabama, Iowa, Florida and Georgia).

He said New York is an under-recruited state.

The Class of 2023 features 10 offensive signees and 12 defensive players. There are 19 team captains, three players who have won state championships and four are participating in high school national all-star games.

Franklin cautioned, however, “once the guys step on campus, the rankings don’t matter. It’s how you compete.”

Franklin said the Lions will add to the class on the Feb. 1 signing date along with the possibility of additions through the transfer portal.

He said he’d like to add another offensive tackle or versatile lineman, another wide receiver, a defensive tackle and maybe a defensive end and “we could be in the need for one-two defensive backs.”

Some decisions will be based on how many players leave early for the NFL.

Franklin offered a few recruiting nuggets. Such as:

N He said players often don’t want to be projected as offensive linemen “until you show them how many are first-round picks.”

N In assessing O-line prospects, he seeks “the length to play tackle, the girth to play guard and the intelligence to play center.”

N On the overall recruiting experience, he said, “For most of the kids and their parents, by the time it’s over, you’re ready for it to be over. It can be exhausting.”

PENN STATE’S CLASS OF 2023

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown

Mega Barnwell TE 6-6 250 Fredericksburg, Va.

Alex Birchmeier OL 6-5 285 Ashburn, Va.

Ty Blanding DT 6-1 265 Bronx, N.Y.

Anthony Donkoh OL 6-5 320 Aldie, Va.

Kaveion Keys LB 6-2 195 Richmond, Va.

Jameial Lyons DE 6-5 250 Philadelphia, Pa.

King Mack DB 5-10 175 Miami, Fla.

London MontgomeryRB 5-10 180 Scranton, Pa.

Joseph Mupoyi DE 6-5 240 Upper Marlboro,Md.

DeKaari Nelson DB 6-3 200 Livingston, Ala.

Lamont Payne Jr. DB 6-0 185 Carnegie, Pa.

Andrew Rappleyea TE 6-4 235 Millbrook, N.Y

Mason Robinson DE 6-3 225 Randallstown, Md.

Ta’Mere Robinson LB 6-3 230 Pittsburgh, Pa.

Tony Rojas LB 6-2 195 Fairfax, Va.

Joey Schlaffer TE 6-5 220 Reading, Pa.

Jaxon Smolik QB 6-1 205 Van Meter, Iowa

Carmelo Taylor WR 5-11 160 Roanoke, Va.

Zion Tracy DB 5-11 175 Hempstead, N.Y.

Cam Wallace RB 5-9 175 Mount Vernon, Ga.

Elliot Washington II DB 5-11 190 Venice, Fla.

J’ven Williams OL 6-5 290 Reading, Pa.