By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst
[email protected]
Jan. 14, 2009
Washington (Pa.) Trinity coach Ed Dalton has groomed his share of standout players, including current Nittany Lions linebacker Mike Yancich and Ohio State linebacker Andrew Sweat.
So when Dalton says junior defensive end Ken Wilkins is the most physically talented player he has had, it should not be taken lightly.
"He is an unbelievable physical talent," Dalton said. "And he is only going to get better. I have had some great players here, but nothing like Ken physically. I am not saying he is going to be better than Yancich and Sweat, but he is the most physically talented player I've had."
The Nittany Lions have a commitment from one top 10 Pennsylvania class of 2010 prospect, linebacker Mike Hull from Canonsburg (Pa.) Canon McMillan. Another could commit this Saturday when quarterback Paul "P.J." Jones visits Penn State. And Wilkins is a third junior in-state star who Joe Paterno would love to land.
The 6-foot-4 and 235-pound Wilkins started at times during his sophomore season at Trinity. He became a full-time starter his junior season playing both as a down defensive end and a stand-up outside linebacker.
Wilkins made 33 solo tackles and had 51 assists during his junior season. He registered eight sacks and recovered two fumbles - both of which he returned for touchdowns.
Wilkins runs the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds and can dunk a basketball just about anyway someone could want.
Wilkins has Big Ten scholarship offers including Penn State. He also has offers from Big East and ACC schools, and Dalton feels Wilkins will have over 20 offers by the time the spring rolls around.
Wilkins' cousin, Travis Thomas, was a strong safety for Notre Dame and was on the Cleveland Browns practice squad.
Tom Bradley is recruiting Wilkins for the Nittany Lions.