Last month, Penn State secured a major victory in recruiting as four-star defensive end Max Granville pledged his commitment to the Nittany Lions. Yesterday marked a significant development as Granville transitioned his status to the 2024 recruiting class and formalized his agreement with Penn State, as confirmed by the program. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 225 pounds, the edge rusher will swiftly integrate into the Nittany Lions’ ranks during the upcoming training camp and will be ready for action in the imminent 2024 season.
Granville, identified as one of Penn State’s key defensive prospects for the 2025 recruitment cycle, ultimately selected the Nittany Lions over intense interest from prominent competitors like Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and various distinguished programs from the southern regions. Notably, he held offers from renowned schools such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and Ohio State, showcasing his talent and appeal to top collegiate programs across the country.
The acquisition of Granville by James Franklin, alongside defensive line coach Deion Barnes and the rest of the team, represented a significant win. Notably, Granville was ranked as high as the 109th overall prospect in his class, according to ESPN. While opinions differed on his position—some outlets classified him as a defensive end while others identified him as a linebacker—Granville’s exceptional talent on the edge strongly suggests his role as a defensive end.
For the 2024 season, Penn State’s immediate roster does not depend heavily on Granville. With players like Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton set for impactful performances, Coach Barnes can also count on the likes of Amin Vanover, Jameial Lyons, and Smith Vilbert as supplementary options. Although Zuriah Fisher faced a serious injury in the spring and is currently sidelined indefinitely, there remains a possibility of his return later in the year.
Nonetheless, this strategic decision holds promise for future gains. Looking ahead to 2025, the potential for Carter and Dennis-Sutton to be early-round draft picks is significant. By that time, Vanover and Vilbert will have exhausted their eligibility. Bringing Granville to campus promptly, integrating him into the training regimen early on, could yield substantial benefits for the Nittany Lions come the 2025 season. While there will undoubtedly be a period of adjustment, leading to a probable redshirt this season for Granville, the move to secure one of the top prospects for 2025 and usher him into the program is a positive step.
With the inclusion of Granville, Penn State’s 2025 recruitment group now stands at 21 committed prospects.
