Scouts: PSU lands another elite prospect 

June, 25, 2012
6/25/12
10:30
AM ET
Bill O'Brien's first full class at Penn State is shaping up to be a strong one. The first-year head coach already has a commitment from the nation's top rated pocket passer as well as from the No. 1 rated tight end and this weekend he added a verbal from the No. 2 ranked offensive tackle in the ESPN 150 as Dorian Johnson (Belle Vernon, Pa.) committed.

With Johnson it had been clear for a while that the promising O-Line prospect likely wasn't going to venture too far from home when he committed and the Nittany Lions were able to capitalize on that in landing the in-state four-star prospect. He is an athletic looking tackle prospect with a tall and lean frame and with some time in the Nittany Lions weight program they should be able to pack on some needed but good mass onto his frame. If pressed into action quickly he could experience some growing pains as he develops his game, but this is a kid with very promising upside. He not only looks athletic, but displays the athleticism to be a good college tackle and that athleticism should help him to adapt and be productive if needed early on in his career. Johnson displays good flexibility as well as balance and agility. He may not be the biggest kid in terms of mass, but is an explosive and powerful kid who can deliver a pop on contact and drive defenders off the ball. He is not only capable of opening up running lanes at the line of scrimmage, but also blocks well on his feet in space and can deal with second-level defenders with similar type crushing results. You not only like his athleticism, but also that he displays nastiness as a blocker as well. He looks to need a little more development in his pass pro, but he flashes the tools to develop into a strong pass blocker. He will need to continue to develop and strive for more consistency in his technique all around, but this is a player with the tools to develop into a very good O-Lineman at the college level.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider