Lions man at running back

One day after smooth-talking top linebacker prospect Nyeem Wartman, Penn State head coach Joe Paterno was back at it on Skype, making it known that Austintown (Ohio) running back William Mahone is Penn State's number one man in the backfield.

The 25 minute conversation touched on a variety of subjects, but one comment from Paterno in particular was what the Rivals100 member really wanted to hear.

"It definitely made me think a little more about Penn State," said Mahone. "He made it very clear that I'm their guy they want at running back. He said I'm one of their top prospects. Joe talked the whole time and he said they're just waiting on me to make my decision and then move on from there, whether I go there or somewhere else.

"They said I'm their guy at running back though, so I'm pretty happy with that."

The 5-foot-11, 205 pound prospect visited Pittsburgh last weekend and multiple recruiting analysts believe the Nittany Lions and Panthers have the edge as of now. However, that may change once Mahone hits the road in two weeks.

"The weekend of father's day, I'm making the rest of my visits. I'll be on a road trip to Notre Dame, Northwestern and Michigan State. I think after all these visits, I'll be able to narrow it down.

"I'm going to Penn State on June 25, for camp," said Mahone, adding that he's really interested in meeting Penn State running back coach Galen Hall. "I'm just participating on the second day."