Feedback Following Penn State’s First PRospect Camp
STATE COLLEGE - Penn State is fresh off its first major prospect camp in the Matt Campbell era. Just like everything in Happy Valley these days, it is a major change from the Franklin Era. I was able to catch up with multiple Penn States 2028/2029 prospects and see what they thought of the new staff and the direction Penn State is headed in. The prospects were asked to answer three questions: How would you describe the energy of the new staff, how would you describe your relationship with your position coach, and could you see yourself at Penn State if given the opportunity?
Jamin Ilgenfritz (2029 QB) - Central York, PA - “The energy from the new staff was great. Our relationship (with QB Coach Jake Waters) is great. He is definitely a teacher of the game, and is very easy to take corrections from. I’m still learning the position every day, and he taught me some things at the camp that I will definitely be using in my upcoming season. I could most definitely, it’s my dream school since I picked up a football. WE ARE!”
Drew Sheridan (2028 QB) - Dearborn, MI - “Had a really good time at Penn State, coaches are really engaged with the players. One of the things I noticed was all the current players at the camp supporting the program. There’s a ton of great energy there. Coach Waters and I’s relationship is building. One thing I appreciate is that he pushed me hard. Put me in some difficult throws, being a lefty, to see if and how I handled those situations. I want to be coached hard and pushed to my limits to make me better. I can absolutely see myself at Penn State. I’m preparing myself to play big-time championship football and feel Penn State will be one of those schools with this staff!”
Max Vandemia (2029 ATH) - State College, PA - “I loved the energy of the staff, they were all hyping up the players and were having meaningful conversations with me. They were very invested in the drills and gave good coaching and guidance. Coach Moore taught me a lot during my time at the camp. He helped me with my releases and with the speed of going 90 percent while in my routes, and he helped me with tips on beating press coverage. I will definitely be working on everything he gave me advice on. He really took time to talk to and coach me. I can see myself at PSU. My dad played there from 2001-2005, and it’s special growing up here. I just have to put in more work every single day and get 1% better every day.”
Juelz Robinson (2028 RB) - Exton, PA - “The energy of the new staff is amazing. Each and every coach teaches and coaches their own special way to better you, and really emphasizes the importance of getting you better. My relationship with Coach Huggins is tremendous. I can come to him with anything, and he does amazing coaching me up and helping throughout all that I do. I could definitely see myself at PSU. You gotta love the home state!
Tony Johnson Jr. (2028 WR) - Delaware, OH - “The new staff’s energy was great. Coach Campbell, Moore, and Zay really brought the energy to the camp and described what it means to be a Penn State Football Player. The work with Coach Moore was great throughout the drills and competition, and really just building a relationship with him and Coach Zay. I could definitely see myself at Penn State just because it feels like home.
This is just the beginning of early evaluation camps for Penn State, which will host two more prospect camps in June.
