Three Things: What does Cam Smith’s flip mean for Penn State recruiting?

Penn State added to its Class of 2025 on Tuesday with a commitment from Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s Prep linebacker Cam Smith. The On3 Industry four-star prospect flipped from Duke following a visit to Happy Valley in late July.

The Nittany Lions now have 24 commitments in the cycle. Smith’s addition gives Penn State three linebacker pledges and now four of the top 10 players in the On3 Industry Pennsylvania state rankings.

What does Cam Smith’s flip mean for Penn State?

1. This one has been brewing

It seemed like an odd decision at the time when Penn State said no to Cam Smith the first time around back in the winter. Despite having a few linebackers committed in Alex Tatsch, D.J. McClary and Dayshaun Burnett, Smith seemed like he was far enough above the line to warrant a spot in the class. That apparently wasn’t the case, and a few days later he turned around and committed to Duke.

Penn State renewed its interest earlier this summer. The Nittany Lions were unsure on McClary’s status for a few reasons, and eventually he ended up flipping to Rutgers. Lavar Arrington II jumped on board this summer, but Penn State still wanted some cover after adding just two in 2024. Smith’s interest has always been there, and the Nittany Lions kept him warm just in case.

The staff ramped it up about three weeks ago and Smith obliged to take a visit for the Lasch Bash. Those actions said a lot, as Smith used the open week in the July calendar to visit Penn State instead of the school he was committed to. After conversations with both sides, Smith completed the flip earlier this week.

2. Penn State lands a prospect from St. Joe’s Prep

The state’s most successful high school program hasn’t been a feeder for the state’s flagship college program. In fact, it hasn’t been close. Penn State hasn’t signed a scholarship player from The Prep since John Reid in 2015. Despite Reid’s successful career in blue and white, the Nittany Lions haven’t been much of a presence at the school. Truth be told, it’s been hit-and-miss for high-level talent since Reid. While D’Andre Swift and Marvin Harrison Jr. represent the high-water marks in the time since, several prospects have started strong as young prospects and faded on the board by decision time. Names like Omillio Agard, Keenan Nelson and Darryle Simmons looks like pretty good bets at one point, but as the evaluation involved, the Nittany Lions took themselves out of the running.

The Class of 2025 was interesting because it looked, at least on the surface, like it might be different. Smith, Maxwell Roy, Anthony Sacca and Khalil Stewart are Power Four guys. All four choosing elsewhere – at least the first time around – created its own storyline. Granted, as reported at the time, Penn State turned away Smith and Stewart, who went to Maryland and eventually flipped to Syracuse. We’ve heard that Sacca and James Franklin have never really been on the same page.

So what does it come down to with Prep and Penn State? As usual, shades of gray dominate the landscape. Similar to the St. Frances Academy myth, the school is not pushing kids away from Happy Valley. Individual squabbles is more representative of the issues than institutional rift. Is everything sunshine and rainbows? Not really. But each staff remains open to the other. It takes the right kid and the right coach, and this is on both ends, mind you. Prep players, like 2026 defensive tackle Alex Haskell and recently offered 2027 linebacker Brandon Lockley, were both on campus in late July.

Smith’s commitment is a step forward. Penn State wouldn’t take him if he wasn’t up for this level, but you can still look at the relationship values that go along with it. This isn’t opening up a pipeline or anything, but to get back on track at the state’s top program and, in the bigger picture, the state in general, is a plus for the Nittany Lions.

3. How does Smith fit in with Penn State?

The first thing that I’ve done when watching linebackers, out of habit really, has been to determine whether they’re a guy that will play in the box for Penn State as a Mike or a Will (or both), or if it’s a hybrid prospect that will be in the Sam mold. With Tom Allen bringing more of a 4-2-5 look to Happy Valley, that doesn’t seem like as big of a deal anymore.

That’s good, because Smith does some things on film that could point either direction. He’s more in the Sam/Will mold, as he drops well into space and also is able to somewhat play in traffic. Smith does a nice job breaking down at a decent speed and finishing plays, as well. I hesitate to say he’s a sure-tackler, because, well, it’s a highlight film. But he has a diversified skill set, can find the football and finish plays. As the game gets bigger, he may struggle with taking on blocks from Power Four offensive linemen and tight ends. SIze is the biggest knock here. He’s over 6-foot and has good length for his size, but he’s going to have to get bigger and without the Sam position to fall back on, the option for him to play smaller is a little more limited.

This Penn State linebacker class is three guys with three completely different builds. There’s no typecasting here. Alex Tatsch is the one that looks like a linebacker at close to 6-3, 215. LaVar Arrington is also 6-3, but with a frame that is a little less predictable over the next few years. Smith replaces McClary’s undersized linebacker spot in the class. Allen has had success with guys who didn’t particularly hit the benchmarks in the past. He’s a good pickup and, frankly, a safer upgrade.

The post Three Things: What does Cam Smith’s flip mean for Penn State recruiting? appeared first on On3.