Harrisburg prospect Messiah Mickens recaps Saturday’s spring practice trip to Penn State

Penn State welcomed back one of Harrisburgh’s top up-and-coming prospects to campus Saturday in Messiah Mickens. A Class of 2026 prospect, Mickens just wrapped up his first season of high school ball playing for former Nittany Lion Jordan Hill at Trinity in Camp Hill.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back made an instant impact, rushing for 961 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also led the Shamrocks to a District III championship. It grabbed the attention of some of the nation’s top schools, with Alabama, Michigan State, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech all joining Penn State with early offers.

“Honestly, the coaching staff and how much love they show. They make me feel like family. Them being straightforward, them always staying in contact with me,” Mickens said, when asked what stood out the most to him Saturday. “Also, they treated my family well. They made them feel welcomed.”

Mickens has been to Penn State before, camping with the staff last summer. He then came to two games this past season, including the White Out win in October. However, he’s never gotten the opportunity to spend a day with running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider until now.

“His personality. He’s always been real with me,” Mickens said, referring to Seider. “He was showing me how everything goes in the meeting rooms. Then, with the running backs, he doesn’t let them slack off. It’s more about the mindset than anything with him. You have to be a student of the game, [and that starts] in the meeting room. But coach is just a chill guy. He makes you feel welcomed.”

With this being his first time on campus outside of game or camp, Mickens also got a good look at Penn State’s updated Lasch Building.

“I like the whole new update and how everything is close to each other,” Mickens said, referring to the athletic dorms being next to the Lasch Building. “That way we can get straight to the field. I loved the new weight room look.”

Mickens is planning visit both Michigan and Notre Dame this upcoming week. He visited Michigan State and West Virginia in January.

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