Penn State completes 2022 recruiting class with Philly defensive back and Washington lineman

With the Feb. 2 signing day effectively signaling the conclusion of the 2021 season, James Franklin is getting ready to “turn the page” and head into the spring and 2022 campaign.

Penn State announced the signings of 3-star junior college transfer Tyrece Mills, a Northeast High School defensive back who played the last two seasons at Lackawanna Community College, and offensive lineman Vega Ioane of Graham, Wash., another 3-star recruit.

Franklin emphasized “flexibility” across a host of areas, including adapting to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), the transfer portal, and possible conference realignment.

Stacy Collins was also introduced as Penn State’s new special teams coach after Joe Lorig departed for Oregon.

One of the biggest things Franklin hit on Wednesday was recruiting, not only through high school, but through the transfer portal. Penn State landed Western Kentucky transfer wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley.

“[Tinsley] gives us an older, veteran presence who’s had a lot of production,” Franklin said. “I think there’s a lot of value for both parties.”

As for recruiting out of high school, Franklin introduced Ioane, who signed with Penn State as Franklin was addressing the media.

“I love the fact that he comes from a winning program,” Franklin said. “The more I find out about this guy, the more I like.”

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Penn State’s 2022 recruiting class sits at No. 6 in the country, according to 247 sports.

One of the biggest factors in bringing Ioane to Happy Valley was Collins. According to Collins, it wasn’t hard to sell Ioane on coming to Penn State.

“It’s Penn State; it’s one of the true blue-blood programs,” Collins said.

With Grambling’s reported addition of an NIL deal that would pay all scholarship athletes, Franklin emphasized the importance of “embracing” the new era of NIL.

“When it comes to name, image, likeness, you have to be bold and aggressive,” Franklin said. “I’d love to see us being on the front end and being the leader nationally in these areas, but we’re not there yet.”