Isaac recaps Lasch Bash visit
Penn State hosted Brooklyn native and four-star defensive end Adisa Isaac Saturday for its Lasch Bash Barbecue.
Earlier in the week, Isaac informed the media that it was unlikely that he could make the trip, but he then confirmed on Twitter Saturday evening that he had returned for the event. That’s another positive sign for where the Lions stand, as this was his second visit in a little over a month.
“The main thing that stood out was that family atmosphere and also that I’ve been meeting new people every time I come,” Isaac said. “Coach Franklin wasn’t preaching much about the [NFL], but mainly academics and setting players up for life and becoming a man. If football works out at the next level, than you’re blessed.
“But the main thing overall was the family feel. I’ve gotten to really know some of the recruits and I’ve become cool with them and even the current players, so that just shows you can build that bond, that relationship. There truly is something special there.”
Franklin and his staff hosted over 30 prospects this weekend, giving Isaac an opportunity to get to know some of the other recruits that they're prioritizing. He said that he’s already become close with many of the committed players.
“I got to chill with Coziah Izzard and Bryan Bresee,” he said. “I met or know the majority of the commits already. They’re all chill and humble dudes. They’ve just been telling me that this is the place to be and how they want me to join the family.
“I was also chilling with some of current players like Micah Parsons and Jesse Luketa. They were just giving me feedback on their experience and what made them go there.”
Isaac has now taken five unofficial visits to Penn State dating back to last season, which is by far the most to any school. That’s a major reason why many believe that the Nittany Lions are the team to beat, although Isaac continues to stress that he’s in no rush.
“There are no leaders right now, but they’re in a great spot,” he said, referring to Penn State. “I believe I’ll be back for the Whiteout game.”
Since last summer, Isaac has earned more than two dozen scholarship offers. He narrowed his list to 10 schools just a week ago, although most believe that LSU, Michigan, Syracuse and Texas A&M are Penn State's top competitors.
A four-star prospect, Isaac is currently ranked No. 203 in the Rivals250. He’s the 13th-ranked weak-side defensive end and the top-ranked prospect in New York for the Class of 2019. However, he was named a top performer at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge in Atlanta last month, so that ranking could improve when they're shuffled.
"Isaac is a long, lanky defensive end who held up surprisingly well at the point of attack against offensive tackles that many times had 75 pounds or more on him," wrote Rivals.com Josh Helmholdt. "The Brooklyn native ranked just outside the top 200 in the country coming into the event, but was among the most effective defensive ends in Atlanta."