James Franklin’s staff has wasted no time showing its recruiting skills.

Offensive lineman Michal Menet, the Class of 2016’s top prospect in Pennsylvania, committed to Penn State as an impressive four-star recruit, and was the second of three offensive linemen to commit to Penn State in the last month — he’ll be joined on the front lines in 2016 by Will Fries and Alex Gellerstedt. On Wednesday this week, Scout.com updated its rankings to give Menet a coveted fifth star. The elite recruit is Penn State’s first five-star since Christian Hackenberg in 2013. In addition to achieving five-star status, Menet is ranked as the second-best offensive line prospect in the nation — a well-deserved ranking, judging from the lineman’s junior highlight reel.

The updated ratings set Penn State’s 2016 class as the 11th-best in the nation and third-best in the Big Ten behind, surprise, Ohio State and Michigan State. The class looks equally impressive on an individual basis as Penn State has picked up commitments from the No. 1 prospect from four states: Pennsylvania (Menet), Maryland (Shane Simmons), New York (Jake Zembiec), and Massachusetts (Danny Dalton).

It seems like more and more big-name players are committing to Penn State by the week, thanks to a new coaching staff known for its recruiting prowess. With its first five-star recruit in three years under its belt, Happy Valley’s future is looking very, very bright.

About the Author

Doug Leeson

Doug is a sophomore and Onward State's Assistant Managing Editor. Dislikes: popcorn, Rutgers, and a low #TimberCount. Likes: "Frozen," Rec Hall, and you. Contact him via email at dougleeson@onwardstate.com or on Twitter @DougLeeson.

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