This information was culled from a variety of sources, including Phil Grosz's Blue White Illustrated, other recruiting pages, high school coaches, and lots of e-mails.

To Varying Degrees, PSU Was Reported To Be Involved With The Following Players

1. James Mungro, RB, 5' 8", 190 lbs., 4.4 sec. forty, East Stroudsburg, PA. Great talent, but rumors about his grades. Is having agreat senior season on the field, and is reported to have been working very hard on his academics. Rated by G&W Report as one of the top 5 RBs in the country. At one time, PSU was thought to be in the lead. (Verballed to Syracuse.)
2. Brian Scott, WR, 6' 3", 190 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty. PSU is leading for his services. Attended the '96 PSU summer football camp. Considered by many recruiting gurus as one of the top 10 prospects in the country. PSU was the leader for his services. However, he did not get a qualifying score in his standardized tests by signing day, so PSU stopped recruiting Brian. (Verballed to South Carolina.)
3. Tony Driver, DB/RB, 6' 2", 210 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty. Top rated HS player in Kentucky. Attended PSU '96 summer FB camp. Hard to figure out what schools he is interested in, as every week a new school seems to be at the top of the list. As of 1/13 it appears that FSU is the leader, with PSU, tOSU, and Notre Dame still involved. Was quoted in his local paper as saying "Jay Paterno was the most impressive assistant coach that recruited him this year." (Verballed to Notre Dame.)
4. Ed Bowman, Ath., 6' 1", 170 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty. Philadelphia,PA. A multi-talented player, who could play Safety, WR, RB, or QB in college. Also talented enough to be drafted as a SS in baseball. Penn State is looking at him as a DB. Grades are rumored to be a concern. (Verballed to Massachusetts.)
5. Jason Murray, FB, 6' 2", 230 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, BelleVernon, PA. Was the top rated class AAA player in the WPIAL as a junior. Reported to have narrowed his list to PSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, Northwestern, and Wisconsin. It appears that PSU stopped recruiting him in the fall of '96. (Verballed to Notre Dame.)
6. Anthony Morris, DL, 6' 2", 295 lbs., 5.1 sec. forty, Detroit, MI. Attended PSU's '96 summer football camp. A four year starter, on both sides of the ball, in HS. Most schools are looking at him as a DT, though he has indicated that he prefers to play off. line. PSU is reported to lead Michigan and OSU for his services.
7. Jamal Lewis, RB, 6' 1", 220 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Atlanta, GA. One of the top fullbacks in the South. PSU, Michigan, OSU, Tennessee, and Nebraska appear to be the finalists. (Verballed to Tennessee.)
8. Jovan Bush, DL, 6' 5", 245 lbs., 4.7 sec. forty, Ridgeland, SC. A late bloomer, who wasn't listed in many of the pre-season AA lists. Collegiate Recruiting Services rank him as one of the top 10 DL prospects in the country. Was thought to be fully qualified, but as of 12/6 he does not have the minimum SAT scores. PSU is still in contact with him, but due to grade concerns appear to have stopped actively recruiting him. Clemson and Georgia Tech are now the leaders for his services. (Verballed to Clemson.)
9. Cooper Rego, RB, 5' 8", 190 lbs., 4.36 sec. forty, Montvale, NJ. Friend of '96 recruit Joe Dawkins. Attended PSU football summer camp in '95 and '96. PSU is reported to have offered a scholarship. PSU dropped out of the hunt when they would not promise him that he'd only be used as a RB. (Verballed to Notre Dame.)
10. Lloyd Garden, RB, 5' 10", 215 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Akron, OH. One of the top rated RBs in Ohio. Considering PSU, tOSU, Indiana,and Michigan State. As of 12/20, PSU is no longer involved with Lloyd.
11. Pat Green, OL,. 6' 8", 325 lbs., Emmaus, PA. He's made three unofficial visits this year. He is friends with both John Blick and Mike Cerimele. A lot of schools are interested, but some question about his speed. Michigan now appears to be in the lead for his services, and reports suggest that PSU is not interested in him. (Verballed to Vanderbilt.)
12. Anthony Welsh, DL, 6' 6", 330 lbs., 5.0 sec. forty, Syracuse, NY. PSU, and most other colleges have backed away, as it appears that Anthony will not qualify academically.
13. Rohan Davey, QB, 6' 4", 215 lbs., 4.7 sec. forty, Miami Lakes, FL. Wants to play both football and basketball in college. Rated by G&W Report as one of the top 5 QBs in the country. As of 10/18, PSU appears to be out of the running for Rohan. (Verballed to LSU.)
14. Char-ron Dorsey, DL, 6' 6", 300 lbs., 5.0 sec. forty, Jacksonville, FL. (Virtually every top program is interested in him.) Plans to visit PSU. Rated by G&W Report as one of the top 5 DL prospects in country.As of 10/18, PSU appears to be out of the running for Char-ron. (Verballed to FSU.)
15. Ben Matz, OL/DL, 6' 5", 275 lbs., 5.0 sec. forty, Ohio. (Verballed to Michigan.)
16. Robbie Crockett, RB, 6' 1", 190 lbs., Battle Creek, MI. Michigan appears to be the leader, but PSU, Illinois, Northwestern, and Notre Dame are involved. As of 11/15, PSU appears to be out of the running for Robbie. (Verballed to Iowa.)
17. Adam Adkins, OL/DL/TE, 6' 4", 255 lbs., Troy, Michigan. Comes from a family of PSU fans. (Verballed to Michigan.)
18. Gunther Kryson, DT, 6' 4", 240 lbs., 4.8 sec. forty, Clark, NJ. One of the top rated DT prospects in the East. Virtually every top program is interested in him. Recent reports (8/28) indicate that PSU is not interested in Gunther. (Verballed to Georgia Tech.)
19. Dennis Randolph, QB, 6' 6", 200 lbs., Alexandria, VA. Has made a few unofficial visits to PSU in the past year. If Penn State lands a QB this year, he might be the one, though as of 12/27 it does not look like PSU is actively recruiting any QBs for the '97 recruiting class.
20. Sam Matthews, DT, 6' 6", 275 lbs., 4.8 sec. forty, Jacksonville, FL. A teammate of Char-Ron Dorsey. Attended PSU's '96 summer football camp. Has told quite a few people that he intends to attend a college not located in Florida. Rated by G&W Report as one of the top 5 DL prospects in the country. As of 9/16, Alabama appears to be the clear leader, and PSU is probably out of the running. (Verballed to Alabama.)
21. John Kelley, DL, 6' 3", 265 lbs., 4.9 sec.forty, Columbus, OH. Top rated DT in Ohio. Initial reports were that he was going to choose between PSU and OSU after attending summer FB camp at both schools. Though he attended both camps, he did not make any announcements. Boths chools are still recruiting him, but they appear to have backed off from offering him a scholarship at this time. As of 12/20 PSU is no longer involved. (Reported to have verballed to Army.)
22. Ed Wilkins, DL, Plainfield, NJ. 6' 5", 265 lbs., 4.8 sec. forty. Many now rate him above Gunther Kryson as the top DL prospect in NJ. Grades are a concern. PSU was the leader, but as of 12/12 does not appear to be recruiting Ed due to his academics. (Verballed to Miami.)
23. Todd Mozza, DL, Darien, CT. 6' 4", 290 lbs., 5.0 sec. forty. PSU is reported to have offered a scholarship. (Verballed to Michigan.)
24. Harold Jackson, LB/FB, 6' 2", 225 lbs., 4.6 sec. forty, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Grades appear to be a major concern. PSU and Michigan are leading. Rumors as of 11/15 are that PSU will offer, but only if he qualifies.As of 1/2 it does not appear that Harold has much chance of qualifying, so PSU is no longer recruiting him. (Verballed to NC State.)
25. James Whitley, DB, Norfolk, VA. His stock is really rising. Some gurus consider him the top CB prospect in the nation. (Verballed to Michigan.)
26. Melvin Richey, DL, 6' 5", 275 lbs., 4.9 sec. forty, Decator, GA. Attended PSU's '96 summer FB camp, and really looked impressive. Recent reports (10/2) seem to indicate that PSU is no longer in the running for his services. (Verballed to LSU.)
27. Jamal Reynolds, DE, 6' 4", 240 lbs., 4.6 sec. forty, Aiken, SC. Considered by some the top DE prospect in the country. Attends the same HS as former Lion, Ray Roundtree. PSU, Alabama, Notre Dame, Clemson and many more have reportedly offered a scholarship. Grades may be a problem. In October '96 PSU and FSU looked to be the co-favorites for his services. As of 1/13, PSU looks to be out of the running for his services. (Verballed to FSU.)
28. Kevin Sinclair, DB, 5' 11", 185 lbs., Ocean City, NJ. Attended PSU '96 summer FB camp and looked quite impressive. Recent reports (10/18) indicate that PSU is no longer recruiting him. (Verballed to Rutgers.)
29. Cosey Coleman, DL/OL, 6' 6", 300 lbs., 4.85 sec. forty, Decatur, GA. Rated by G&W Report as one of the top 5 OL prospects in the country. Made an unofficial visit to PSU in July, and will make an official visit this fall. Georgia is considered the favorite for his services, though PSU and tOSU are making a strong effort to land him. PSU is reported to project him as a DT. Recent reports (10/2) seem to indicate that PSU is no longer in the running for his services. (Verballed to Tennessee.)
30. Devon Simmons, DB, 6' 0", 200 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Highland Springs, VA. One of the top prospects in Virginia. Plays LB in HS, but is expected to play strong safety in college. Grades were a major preseason concern most colleges had about Devon, though he became a straight A student as a senior. (Verballed to Virginia.)
31. Tyrone Robertson, DL, 6' 5", 262 lbs., 4.8 sec. forty, Danville, VA. Another top prospect from Virginia. Every week a new team emerges as the leader for his services. As of 10/15, the leaders for his services appear to be PSU, Tenn., and UF. VT, UVA, and Georgia are making a strong effort to stay in the mix. Rated by G&W Report as one of thetop 250 prospects in the country. Due to his academics, PSU stopped recruiting him in 12/96. (Verballed to Virginia Tech.)
32. Yubrenal Isabelle, LB/FB, 6' 2", 225 lbs., 4.65 sec. forty, Bluefield, WV. Probably the top rated prospect in West Virginia. Attended the '96 summer FB camp. Has received offers from tons of schools, including FSU, WVU, Tenn., UVA, and UCLA. As of 11/15, it appears that PSU is no longer recruiting him. (Verballed to Virginia.)
33. Kenny Smith, DL, 6' 5", 280 lbs., 4.9 sec. forty, Meridian, Miss. Rated by G&W Report as one of the top 5 DL prospects in the country. PSU is one of the five schools to which he will make an official visit. As of 12/12, he does not have a NCAA minimum on his ACT. As such, PSU appears to be backing off of him. As of 1/13, he does not plan to visit PSU. (Verballed to Alabama.)
34. Ali Culpepper, RB, 5' 11", 195 lbs., Baltimore, MD. Lots of schools, including PSU are involved with Ali. As of 10/18, it does not appear that PSU is actively recruiting Ali. (Verballed to Syracuse.)
35. Tyree Foreman, RB, 6' 0", 200 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Columbia, MD. Maryland's Player of the Year as a junior. A cousin of former Lion Richie Anderson. PSU, Michigan, OSU, Maryland, and Virginia appear to be the finalists. As of 1/2, it appeaers that PSU is no longer recruitingTyree. (Verballed to Virginia.)
36. Rod Perry, WR/DB, 5' 11", 180 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Santa Ana, CA. Is rated one of the top WRs in the country. His father played DB in the NFL. PSU is believed to be looking to him as a DB. Is slated to take an official visit at PSU. (Verballed to USC.)
37. David Martin, WR, 6' 5", 205 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Norfold, VA. Is rated one of the top two receivers in Virginia. Is a HS teammate of James Whitley. PSU is rumored to have offered. (Verballed to Tennessee.)
38. Lofton Thompson, DB, 6' 2", 195 lbs., 4.55 sec. forty, Norristown, PA. Is rated one of the top two DBs in southeast PA. Expected to play safety in college. At one time, PSU and Michigan were the co-leaders. As of 12/20, it appears that PSU is no longer recruiting Lofton. (Verballed to North Carolina State.)
39. Ken Lytle, DL, 6' 5", 305 lbs., Oxon Hill, MD. Another prospect that didn't appear on too many pre-season AA lists. SuperPrep rated him the #2 prospect in the mid-Atlantic region. Conflicting reports about what schools are involved with him. As of 12/6, it appears that PSU is no longer recruiting Ken, due to his academic situation.
40. Darrell Jackson, WR, 6' 1", 185 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Tampa, FL. Attended PSU's '96 summer FB camp. Rated by G&W Report as one of the top 5 WR prospects in the country. As of 12/20, PSU and Florida are the co-leaders, with LSU and Miami also involved. (Verballed to Florida.)
41. Jesse Simms, DL, 6' 3", 265 lbs., 4.8 sec. forty, Stamford, CT. His grandfather was baseball legend Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Rated the #9 Strong-side defensive end prospect by the National Recruiting Advisor. (Verballed to UCLA.)
42. Billy Dee Greenwood, DB, 6' 1", 190 lbs., 4.4 sec. forty, Stamford, CT. Rated the #7 free safety prospect by the National Recruiting Advisor. Several schools involved, including PSU, Notre Dame, Syracuse, UCLA, Mich. State, Maryland, and No. Carolina. (Verballed to North Carolina.)
43. Ben Martin, DB, 6' 1", 195 lbs., 4.6 sec. forty, Oradell, NJ. Was overlooked by most of the recruiting services in their pre-season ratings. PSU, Maryland, No. Carolina, Syracuse, Clemson and Mich. State are involved. Grades are rumored to be a major concern.
44. Omar Owens, DB, 6' 0", 175 lbs., 4.45 sec. forty, Oxon Hill, MD. Is a great kickoff and punt return specialist. Being looked atas a DB, though has the talent to play WR. PSU, WVa., Notre Dame, North Carolina, UVA, and Tenn. are involved.
45. Delrico Fletcher, DB, 6' 2", 190 lbs., 4.45 sec. forty, Pittsburgh, PA. Is the top rated WR and DB in the WPIAL (PA's top HS football conference). (Verballed to Rutgers.)
46. Mycal Jones, DB, 6' 0", 180 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Jeannette, PA. Is a phenomenal athlete who excels as a DB, WR, and kick and punt returner. Returned 4 punts and 3 kickoffs for TDs as a junior. (Verballed to Northwestern.)
47. Renaldo Hill, DB, 6' 1", 175 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, Detroit,MI. (Verballed to Michigan State.)
48. Abdullah Muhammad, DB, 6' 1", 190 lbs., 4.5 sec. forty, East Lansing, MI. PSU, Illinois, Colorado, FSU, and Michigan State are involved.
49. Ty Hunt, DL, 6' 6", 230 lbs., 4.65 sec. forty, Hickory, NC. One of the top prospects in North Carolina. Projected to be a DE whenhe gains some bulk. PSU, Notre Dame, NC State, UVA, and FSU are involved.As of 12/20 it appears that PSU is no longer recruiting Ty. (Verballed to East Carolina.)
50. Kyle Pitts, WR, 6' 2", 190 lbs., 4.45 sec. forty, Harrisburg, PA. One of the top WRs in the state of PA. PSU, Syracuse, Maryland, Pitt, Mighigan, and Virginia Tech are involved.
51. Dain Lewis, DB/RB, 6' 0", 175 lbs., 4.45 sec. forty, Columbia, MD. One of the top-rated players in Maryland. Is also quite accomplished in the classroom. Plans to take official visits to PSU, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
52. Leon Brockmeier, OL, 6' 8", 275 lbs., Tallahassee, FL. A big off. line prospect that is attracting a lot of attention. I was never able to learn how much interest PSU had in Leon. (Verballed to Northwestern.)
53. Tommy Moody, DL, 6' 5", 255 lbs., 4.9 sec. forty, Pierson, FL. Good speed and great lateral mobility. I was never able to learn how much interest PSU had in Tommy. (Verballed to Florida.).
54. Lube Stamenich, DL, 6' 4", 255 lbs., McLean, VA. PSU appears to have gotten involved with him late in the process. Other schools interested are: Florida, Virginia, Michigan, tOSU, Tennessee, and FSU. (Verballed to Virginia.)
55. Jeff Hinson, DL, 6' 3", 280 lbs., 5.2 sec. forty, Medford, NJ. Is one of the top-three lineman in southern New Jersey - along with Jordan Caruso and Kareem McKenzie. Is slated to visit PSU on 12/6. Others chools he may visit include Wake Forest, Nebraska, Syracuse, Virginia, Maryland and NC State. His brother played at Nebraska. As of 1/13, PSU is no longer recruiting Jeff. (Verballed to Western Michigan.)
56. Rickie Simpkins, DT, 6' 4", 285 lbs., 5.2 sec. forty, New York, NY. Has only played 17 games of organized football. Is reported to have had a great senior season. Took an unofficial visit to PSU last spring. PSU, Syracuse, Wisconsin, Indiana, North Carolina, and Rutgers are involved. Questions about his grades. (Verballed to Syracuse.)
57. Fred Hanes, DT, 6' 3", 272 lbs., 4.9 sec. forty, Wyncote, PA. A bit of a sleeper who has attracted a lot of attention late in the recruiting process. Attended PSU's '96 summer football camp. At that time he weighed 260 lbs., and ran a 4.86 sec. forty. Will visit PSU on 1/17. Is also involved with Syracuse, North Carolina, Michigan State, WVa., Purdue, Virgina Tech, Temple, and Maryland. Fred was willing, but PSU never offered. (Verballed to Richmond.)