2023 LB Phil Picciotti: 'They’re just always on their game in recruiting'
If it wasn’t clear already, it’s beginning to look like Penn State may be the early favorite with Perkasie, Pa., linebacker Phil Picciotti.
Just two weeks ago, Picciotti attended the Nittany Lions' win over Auburn, and he left that experience noting that the hype surrounding Penn State’s annual White Out lived up to the hype and then some.
He said Saturday night’s Stripe Out against Indiana was a similar experience.
“It’s just an insane atmosphere every time," Picciotti said. "The fans are so wild and they’re so strong there on their traditions. I mean, the Stripe Out, for example, is incredible. They do such a good job showing their support.”
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Before the game, many noticed Picciotti and a few other top Pennsylvania prospects, including Ta’Mere Robinson, Rodney Gallagher and current commit Lamont Payne, having a private conversation with head coach James Franklin out on the field. He said that talk largely centered around how important those four players are to Penn State’s efforts in the Class of 2023.
“He sat us all down was legit saying that there’s no way the four of us can go anywhere but Penn State,” Picciotti said. “He was saying that they’re not going to let any of us end up somewhere else and that we’re all too important for them to accept that. One thing I really liked is that he told all of us that he wants us to be the future leaders of this team. It was insane hearing that from him.”
That talk left a lasting impression on Picciotti, but really, it’s been their efforts since offering him in July that have put Penn State in the position they’re in.
“They’re just always on their game in recruiting,” he said. “They’re always trying to show me why Penn State is best for me. I can definitely say that Penn State is one of my top schools, and they’re doing a great job recruiting all of these guys, including me.”
Picciotti went on to add, “Coach Franklin is just an incredible recruiter. It’s hard for me to explain what’s different about him compared to other coaches, but he’s just so good at it. He’s on top of recruiting all the top.”
In addition to Franklin, defensive coordinator Brent Pry has also left his mark on this recruiting, especially with Picciotti’s parents.
“One thing about Coach Pry is that he gets along with my parents really well," he said. "I have a good connection with him too, but I think he’s done a great job with my parents.”
Back in the summer, Picciotti took unofficial visits to Northwestern and Virginia in June. He then came to Penn State on July 25, before finishing out the summer with a trip to Rutgers. Since then, Penn State is the only school he’s visited, and as of now, it’s unclear when he’ll see any other schools. Picciotti did say that he may come back to State College next month for the game against Michigan.
Overall, Picciotti is up to 10 verbal scholarship offers now. Illinois and South Carolina were the two most recent schools to make that move in September, while Maryland, Pitt, Purdue and West Virginia are also pursuing the Pennridge prospect.
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