Penn State lost the top-ranked recruit in its 2027 class Sunday afternoon. Five-star McKeesport (Pa.) Area running back Kemon Spell backed off his pledge to the Nittany Lions following the firing of head coach James Franklin.
Spell was the longest-standing member of Penn State’s 2027 recruiting class, as he committed to the Nittany Lions in Aug. 2024 just before the beginning of his sophomore season.
Spell’s 247Sports Scouting Report
“A mix between a tank and a jackrabbit, which is an extremely difficult combination to tackle. A naturally low-to-the-ground runner with true workhorse capabilities as he constantly bounces off defenders or cuts around them to find extra yardage. Spent much of sophomore campaign deployed as a fullback in a Wing-T offense. Ran absolutely wild in Pennsylvania's WPIAL Class 4A playoffs with 280-yard and 274-yard rushing performances. Not a true burner, but can hit the gas when a crease opens up. Frequently thrashes forward at the first sign of contact and almost always seems to be falling forward.
“Tested reasonably well as a ninth grader at the National Combine in San Antonio and has impressed as a pass catcher on the offseason camp circuit. Fits the bill of a hard-nosed football player given the physicality he also flashes on defense while doubling as a cornerback. Must avoid setbacks, but projects as a potential impact player for a College Football Playoff contender that can move the chains while facing stacked boxes.”
Stay tuned to Lions247 for more on Penn State recruiting following Franklin’s firing.