The 10 highest-ranked recruits in Penn State program history

Penn State has seen many talented players pass through its football program throughout the years, sending players to the NFL at one of the highest rates in the country. While some players arrived as lesser-known recruits and developed into stars, others were heralded prospects before setting foot on campus. Here's a look at the top 10 recruits in Nittany Lion history, based on the 247Sports composite rankings, which date back to 2000.

10. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Class of 2022

A player who's still on campus, Dani Dennis-Sutton was a consensus 5-star and is the highest ranked defensive lineman to ever commit to Penn State. Dennis-Sutton was the top member in Penn State's elite 2022 recruiting class, which ranked No. 6 nationally. Through three seasons as a Nittany Lion, Dennis-Sutton has totaled 85 tackles, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. He's been mocked as a first-round draft prospect by some analysts.

9. Kemon Spell, Class of 2027

Though he hasn't arrived on campus yet, running back Kemon Spell was the first recruit to commit to Penn State's 2027 class and is currently one of three members. Spell ranks as the No. 1 Pennsylvania native in the class and the No. 16 overall recruit, though the rankings for his class haven't been finalized, meaning he could move up or down before enrolling as a Nittany Lion.

8. Brandon Smith, Class of 2019

Brandon Smith is the third-highest ranked linebacker to ever commit to Penn State and was viewed as the top interior linebacker in the 2019 class. He ranked as the No. 1 recruit from Virginia and No. 18 overall player before arriving in Happy Valley, where he spent three seasons before declaring for the draft. Smith was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round, where he spent one season. After most recently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.

7. Christian Hackenberg, Class of 2013

The highest-ranked quarterback to ever commit to Penn State, Christian Hackenberg ranked as the No. 1 recruit from Virginia and No. 13 overall prospect in the 2013 class. Hackenberg had an up-and-down career as a Nittany Lion, playing on a team hit with heavy sanctions. With limited talent around him, Hackenberg produced solid numbers but failed to live up to the recruiting hype. He was drafted in the second round by the New York Jets and also spent time with the then-Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals without ever catching on.

6. Anthony Morell, Class of 2004

Ranked as the No. 2 pro-style quarterback, No. 2 Pennsylvania native and No. 15 overall prospect, Anthony Morelli still sits as the highest-ranked quarterback to ever play for Penn State. Morelli spent four seasons as a Nittany Lion and two as a starter, producing solid numbers but never reaching elite status. Penn State finished 9-4 in both seasons with Morelli at the helm before he declared for the draft. He was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent but was cut after the preseason.

5. Justin King, Class of 2005

Ranked as the best cornerback to ever commit to Penn State, Justin King was the top on-state recruit and No. 15 player nationally in the the class of 2005. King had a solid three-year career with the Nittany Lions before being selected in the fourth round by the then-St. Louis Rams. He played in 35 games across three seasons, totaling 113 tackles and an interception. He joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, playing sparingly in his last professional season.

4. Dan Connor, Class of 2004

Ranked as the No. 2 interior linebacker in the 2004 class, Pennsylvania native Dan Connor had a successful four-year career at Penn State, including becoming the team's all-time leading tackle, an honor he still holds. Connor was drafted in the third round in 2008 and played seven professional seasons for the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. Connor joined Penn State's coaching staff in 2022 and was promoted to linebackers coach ahead of the 2025 season.

3. Justin Shorter, Class of 2018

Ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 8 overall recruit in the 2018 class, wide receiver Justin Shorter committed to Penn State out of high school and spent two seasons as a Nittany Lion, playing sparingly. After transferring to Florida, Shorter saw increased usage and eclipsed 500 yards in two of three seasons. He was selected as a fifth-round pick in 2023 by the Buffalo Bills but was quickly released and signed by the Las Vegas Raiders, where he currently plays as a tight end. He's yet to see any NFL action.

2. Micah Parsons, Class of 2018

Though he had a brief playing career in Happy Valley, linebacker Micah Parsons was the No. 1 Pennsylvania native and No. 5 overall recruit in the 2018 class. Parsons started in both 2018 and 2019, rackin up 191 tackles, 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He opted not to play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, declaring for the NFL draft after the season. After being selected No. 12 overall by the Dallas Cowboys, Parsons was named the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year and has been a pro bowler every season.

1. Derrick Williams, Class of 2005

Wide receiver Derrick Williams was ranked as the top Maryland native and No. 4 overall recruit in the class of 2005, and he lived up to the hype out of the gate. A strong start to his true freshman season was derailed by a broken arm seven games into the season, but he still earned freshman All-American honors. His next two seasons were up-and-down, but a strong senior campaign resulted in first-team All-Big Ten honors and got him drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft, leading to a short professional career.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State's top 10 rated football recruits since 2000