Penn State official visit impresses Cain and parents
Penn State hosted arguably its top remaining target at running back this weekend in IMG Academy prospect Noah Cain.
The nation’s fourth-ranked running back, Cain visited previously back in the spring, but wasn’t able to return this summer when his parents attended the Lasch Bash barbecue at the end of July. With just weeks remaining until the early signing period, this trip is also Penn State's final opportunity to prove to Cain and his family that State College is the right place for them.
“We had a good camaraderie with them already coming into the visit, but the connection that we were able to have with all the players, and the different coaches, it really makes you understand how real this coaching staff is,” said Cain’s father, Terence. “They truly practice what they preach and you really get a good feel for that every time you step on campus.
“So, everything is really going well. They’ve always been one of the schools that are very high on Noah and of course, we’ve been high on them. It’s been a great visit. One other thing I would say is that his mother’s opinion is going to have a big impact on all of this and she’s been very impressed with everything this weekend.”
Cain came into town Friday evening but his visit didn’t begin until Saturday morning. With Penn State’s game against Wisconsin set for noon, that led them straight to Beaver Stadium following breakfast. It was Cain and his family’s first game inside Beaver Stadium.
“I think all of us were very impressed with the atmosphere,” said Cain. “With the weather and the fans having to take buses to the stadium, we thought it might be a little bit of a down day for them but it didn’t feel that way at all. Once everyone got into the stadium, it was a very good crowd that created a great atmosphere. So, we were pretty impressed with all of that.”
Saturday evening was also busy, as Cain and his parents had dinner with multiple members of the coaching staff, as well as others.
“They set up a dinner for us Saturday night with Penn State’s president, Eric Barron, and athletic director, Sandy Barbour. That was a great experience,” Cain said. “We enjoyed that. Sitting down with everyone to reiterate Penn State’s vision and the school’s values, that was good. We’ve always liked what Penn State has to offer. We also talked about all the different connections that the Penn State network can offer someone after football.”
Cain and his family will wrap up their visit this evening when they head to head coach James Franklin’s house for dinner. They’re scheduled to fly home early Monday morning.
As for what’s next, Cain has changed his schedule for his final two visits. Originally, he planned to visit LSU this upcoming weekend, Nov. 17-18, followed by a trip to Ohio State at the end of the month, Nov. 24-25. Now, it appears as if he’ll end up going to Georgia this upcoming weekend before using his fifth and final visit to LSU. That visit is expected to come during the first weekend in December.
As for a commitment, that's now set to take place Dec. 19, the first of the early signing period. His decision will be broadcast on ESPN during its signing day coverage.