8 things to know about new Penn State commit Omari Gaines and Lions’ Class of 2025
Penn State has picked up its second commitment in the Class of 2025. Newark, N.J., Malcolm X Shabazz cornerback Omari Gaines ended his recruitment long before he could sign by selecting the Lions on Tuesday morning.
Get to know more about the 6-foot-2, 175-pound sophomore and the rest of the Lions’ Class of 2025 below.
1. How it started
Ole Miss was the first FBS program to offer Gaines way back in May of 2021. A handful of programs would join the mix before Penn State did so in April of 2022 following an unofficial visit to campus.
“I really had conversations with Coach Terry [Smith], Coach [James] Franklin, Coach [Phil] Trautwein and Coach Rashad Elby,” Gaines told BWI at the time. “Every single one of their coaches mentioned the family at Penn State and that’s what I really liked the most.
“They talked about the trust between the players and coaches because without that, you can’t be successful on the team. They were very open with me and welcomed me to [visit again], really bringing me and my family under their wing.”
2. Who else was involved?
Gaines kept his visits mostly local. He saw Penn State more than any other school, making five unofficial visits there, with the most recent one coming last weekend. During his recruitment, he also saw Rutgers and Duke once each.
3. Path to a decision
It’s hard to say that any other program was a major player here. Gaines took both of his 2023 recruiting trips to Penn State; besides the one in March, he was also on campus at the end of January. Clearly, he saw enough that he liked from head coach James Franklin and his program to make an early decision. And, the Lions did enough to set themselves apart in short order.
4. Rankings and accolades
Gaines only carries a ranking at this point in time from Rivals. It calls him a three-star who is the No. 40 cornerback and No. 14 player in New Jersey. Other outlets, including On3, will make evaluation decisions as the sophomore progresses.
5. What has he said about Penn State?
Omari Gaines on his commitment to Penn State: “It’s a college town. I really like the vibe there. I also really like how much they stress academics. It’s not just all about football with them. Your life after football is just as important. But I visited probably five or six times. I feel like I’ve built that relationship with the coaches. I like everything about the school, so I couldn’t think of any reason to wait. This is where I want to be.”
6. Penn State Class of 2025 commitment timeline
March 27, 2023 — Three-star New Jersey cornerback Omari Gaines picks the Lions.
Jan. 30, 2022 — Four-star New Jersey offensive lineman Jaelyne Matthews picks the Lions.
7. How the Lions’ Class of 2025 breaks down by position
Offensive tackle – 1
Cornerback — 1
8. How the Penn State Class of 2025 breaks down by stat
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