By JJ Conrad | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Kevork Djansezian | Getty Images
How many N.J. H.S. football players sign with Penn State? Quite a few.
It's no surprise that in 2016 more Penn State football players hailed from the state of Pennsylvania. But coming in second for last year's Big Ten champions?
That's right, New Jersey.
The Nittany Lions featured 18 players from the Garden State during last year's historic season in Happy Valley. Exactly zero came from N.J.'s "Big 6" of Paramus Catholic, Bergen Catholic, St. Joseph (Mont.), Don Bosco Prep, St. Peter's Prep and DePaul (though that's about to change as early as 2017).
From 4-star recruits to former walk-ons to NFL-bound stars, Penn State's roster was littered with some of the finest football players, many from public schools, that once called New Jersey home.
You can check out the full list in the slideshow below, which features former H.S. players from Cranford, Barnegat, Union City, Paul VI, Glassboro, Woodbury, Southern, Manalapan, Millville, Hunterdon Central, Oakcrest, Red Bank Regional, Randolph, Robbinsville, Toms River North, West Orange, The Hun School and Parsippany Hills.
N.J. Alums on Penn State Roster in 2016
Photo courtesy of the recruit, used with permission
Will Fries, OL (Cranford, Class of 2016)
High school ranks: A 4-star recruit by Rivals and 3-star recruit by ESPN, 247sports and Scout
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirted
Height/Weight: 6-foot-6, 295 pounds
In high school: Helped lead Cranford to the North 2, Group 3 sectional title in 2015, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines. Selected to the 2016 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. Also a four-year letterman in track and field in the shotput and discus.
At Penn State: Fries redshirted the 2016 season and still has four years of eligibility at PSU.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
Manny Bowen, LB (Barnegat, Class of 2015)
High school ranks: A consensus 4-star recruit
Grade in 2016 season: Sophomore
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 220 pounds
In high school: Made 51 tackles, including 10 for a loss, in his senior season at Barnegat and contributed offensively with 204 yards rushing and 5 total TDs. Scout.com rated him as one of the Top 10 recruits in New Jersey from the Class of 2015.
At Penn State: As a true sophomore last season, Bowen appeared in 13 games, making 12 starts for the Big Ten champions. Made 67 tackles on the year, including 8.5 for a loss, and registered two sacks. In 2015, he was one of five true freshman to see playing time and led Penn State in special teams tackles, with 13. Bowen was held out of the Rose Bowl against USC for violating unspecified team rules.
Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
Steven Gonzalez, OL (Union City, Class of 2015)
High school ranks: A 4-star recruit by ESPN and 247sports, 3-star recruit by Scout and Rivals
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt freshman
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 334 pounds
In high school: Became the first player in school history to earn All-State honors at Union City after recording 60 pancake blocks on the offensive line and 30 tackles and 10 sacks at defensive tackle. Set a school-record with 5 sacks in one game. Rated as a Top 5 recruit in New Jersey by ESPN and 7th by Scout.com.
At Penn State: Gonzalez redshirted in his first year at PSU during the 2015 season then appeared in 11 games, making 3 stars, during Penn State's Big Ten championship season in 2016. Gonzalez started at left guard in the Rose Bowl against USC.
RELATED: A look at the New Jersey-to-Boston College pipeline of N.J. H.S. football players
Kirby Lee | USA TODAY Sports
Irvin Charles, WR (Paul VI, Class of 2015)
High school ranks: A 4-star recruit by Rivals and Scout; 3-star recruit by 247sports and ESPN
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt freshman
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 219 pounds
In high school: A two-year letterman and two-year captain at Paul VI who accounted for 774 yards and 12 total TDs as a senior in 2014. As a junior, Charles racked up 940 total yards and 14 total TDs. Was ranked among the Top 10 recruits in N.J. by 247sports, ESPN and Rivals.
At Penn State: After redshirting for the 2015 season, Charles appeared in all 14 games at PSU during the 2016 season. He was one of 27 freshman (22 redshirt, 5 true) to see time in 2016. His first career reception was an 80-yard TD catch against Minnesota, the longest since Derek Moye's 80-yard score in 2010.
Rich Barnes | USA TODAY Sports
Juwan Johnson, WR (Glassboro, Class of 2015)
High school ranks: A consensus 4-star recruit and Top 5 player in N.J. by all recruiting services
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt freshman
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 218 pounds
In high school: In his senior season at Glassboro in 2014, Johnson made 42 catches for 804 yards and 9 TDs, in addition to supplying 2 rushing TDs. Participated in The Opening, an all-star recruit camp held on the Nike campus and played inthe 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
At Penn State: Johnson redshirted his year at PSU in 2015 before appearing in all 14 games for Penn State last season during its run to the Big Ten championship, playing primarily on special teams and serving as a backup WR. Made 9 special team tackles last season.
RELATED: NFL Draft 2017: How were N.J.'s 9 drafted players rated coming out of H.S.?
Rich Barnes | USA TODAY Sports
Troy Shorts, CB (Woodbury, Class of 2015)
High school ranks: A 2-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt freshman
Height/Weight: 5-foot-10, 192 pounds
In high school: Three-year letterman at Woodbury and two-time team captain and MVP. Claimed third team All-State honors as a senior and named South Jersey Back of the Week three times in his high school career. Helped lead Woodbury to a 10-2 record as a sophomore.
At Penn State: Shorts made the team at Penn State as a preferred walk-on. He redshirted in 2015 and saw time in one game during the 2016 season against Michigan State.
Kevork Djansezian | Getty Images
Mike Gesicki, TE (Southern, Class of 2014)
High school ranks: A 4-star recruit by Rivals, 3-star recruit by Scout, 247sports and ESPN
Grade in 2016 season: Junior
Height/Weight: 6-foot-6, 252 pounds
In high school: Was one of the most coveted TE recruits in the country coming out of high school after earning 4 varsity letters at Southern. Led the school as the all-time leading receiver with 1,817 yards on 103 receptions and 16 TDs. He was an Under Armour and U.S. Army All-American selection as a senior. Made 6 INTs on defense. Three-sport athlete who also played volleyball and basketball, earning 12 varsity letters. Was Southern's all-time leading scorer in basketball (1,867 yards) and champion of the 2014 state dunk contest.
At Penn State: Starting since he was a true freshman in 2014, Gesicki has racked up 72 catches for 918 yards and 6 TDs in his first three years. He will return to PSU for his senior season regarded as one of the best in the country and is expected to be a first-round NFL draft pick in 2018. As a junior last year, Gesicki made 48 catches for 679 yards and 5 TDs. His 48 receptions set a PSU single-season record and his 679 receiving yards did, too, passing Mickey Shuler's previous record of 600 set in 1977. His 5 TDs tied a single-season record for most by a TE.
RELATED: The top 50 high school football recruits in New Jersey: March 8 edition
Tony Kurdzuk | The Star-Ledger
Saeed Blacknall, WR (Manalapan, Class of 2014)
High school ranks: A consensus 4-star recruit
Grade in 2016 season: Junior
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 212 pounds
In high school: Lettered four times at WR for Manalapan, helping lead the program to a 32-5 record in his final three years while racking up nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 35 TDs. A two-time first team All-State selection. Caught 52 passes for 707 yards and 15 TDs his senior year. Was a Top 5 recruit in N.J. by ESPN.com (3rd), Rivals.com (4th) and 247sports.com (3rd).
At Penn State: As a junior last season, Blacknall appeared in 9 games, making 7 starts, and posted career highs in receptions (15), yards (347) and TDs (3). He was held out of the Rose Bowl against USC after violating unspecified team rules.
via Twitter
Antoine White, DT (Millville, Class of 2014)
High school ranks: A consensus 3-star recruit
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt sophomore
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 290 pounds
In high school: A three-year letterman at Millville, White racked up 70 tackles, one forced fumble and two INTs his senior season. Returned one INT 88 yards for a TD. Ranked as a Top 50 defensive tackle by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com and a Top 25 recruit coming out of N.J. by ESPN.
At Penn State: White saw limited action in 2015 and 2016, making 28 tackles and registering 2.5 sacks in two seasons while appearing in 13 games. White has since transferred to the University of Albany.
RELATED: 8 notable H.S. football transfers that will affect the Super Conference in '17
Jayne Kamin-Oncea | USA TODAY Sports
Jason Cabinda, LB (Hunterdon Central, Class of 2014)
High school ranks: A consensus 3-star recruit
Grade in 2016 season: Junior
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 232 pounds
In high school: A three-year starter at LB and RB at Hunterdon Central and graduated as the school record-holder with 50 career TDs at RB. Despite missing four games his senior year to injury, he still racked up 1,258 yards and 17 TDs in 8 games. Helped lead Hunterdon Central to a sectional title in 2013. Rushed for 1,793 yards and 24 TDs as a junior.
At Penn State: In his junior season last year, Cabinda was named to the third team All-Big Ten after being selected to the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy Preseason Watch Lists. Made 13 tackles in Penn State's upset 24-21 win over then-No. 2 Ohio State. Despite missing 5 games early in the year due to a hand injury, Cabinda still made 80 tackles and recorded 1 sack. He announced he will be back at PSU for his senior season.
Harry How | Getty Images
Brandon Bell, LB (Oakcrest, Class of 2013)
High school ranks: 3-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and ESPN
Grade in 2016 season: Senior
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 233 pounds
In high school: A four-year letterman as a two-way player at Oakcrest, serving as a standout linebacker and running back. Accumulated 309 tackles and over 1,000 yards rushing in his career. Recorded 112 tackles, two sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception during his senior season. As a junior, made 117 stops, 22 tackles for loss and three sacks, while gaining 429 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Tallied nine sacks to highlight a 68-tackle sophomore season. Added 455 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
At Penn State: Bell enjoyed a highly successful career at Penn State, getting immediate playing time as a true freshman back in 2013. He went on to accumulate 226 total tackles, including 27 for a loss, 11.5 sacks, 4 INTs -- including picking one off a throw from USC QB Sam Darnold, potentially the No. 1 draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, in last year's Rose Bowl (photo above) -- 6 passes defended and 7 forced fumbles.
Bell has since signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent.
RELATED: Which N.J. stars shined brightest at the 2017 Nike Football Opening Regional?
Trevor Ruszkowski | USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Sickels, DE (Red Bank Regional, Class of 2013)
High school ranks: 4-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and ESPN, was Rivals' No. 3 overall in N.J.
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt junior
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 260 pounds
In high school: A three-year letterman Red Bank Regional, Sickels was selected a U.S. All-American at DE his senior year. He racked up 194 tackles, 25 sacks, nine forced fumbles and eight blocked kicks in his career. Earned All-State honors as a junior and senior. As a senior, collected 75 tackles, nine sacks and forced three fumbles...Made 76 stops and 10 sacks, adding three forced fumbles, during his junior season...Notched six sacks, three forced fumbles and added 43 tackles as a sophomore. Selected to play in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American game.
At Penn State: In three seasons with Penn State from 2014-16 (he redshirted in 2013), Sickels racked up 94 tackles, including 21.5 for a loss, and 11.5 sacks. He recovered two fumbles and forced one and was selected to the All-Big Ten second team by the conference coaches and All-Big Ten third team by the media panel.
Sickels has since signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent.
Photo courtesy of the Sickels Family
Brendan Mahon, OL (Randolph, Class of 2013)
High school ranks: A 4-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports, member of the ESPN300
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt junior
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 320 pounds
In high school: Once the cornerstone of the offensive line at Randolph, Mahon was a two-time All-State selection as a junior and senior. In his sophomore season in 2010, was part of a North 1, Group 4 sectional championship. Team captain for the East squad in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Game, where he roomed with Sickels. The two stayed with Penn State amid the Jerry Sandusky child-sexual abuse scandal. Mahon was selected as the top offensive lineman in the state by The Star-Ledger following the 2012 season.
At Penn State: In 2016, Mahon was selected to the Pro Football Focus All-Big Ten first team, despite playing in only 9 games at both left and right tackle after suffering a season-ending injury against Iowa on Nov. 5.
Steve Hockstein | For The Star-Ledger
Kyle Alston, CB (Robbinsville, Class of 2013)
High school ranks: 0 stars
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt junior
Height/Weight: 5-foot-9, 190 pounds
In high school: A three-year letterman at Robbinsville, Alston was a New Jersey Super 100 all-state selection and a Trenton Times Player of the Week as a senior. Amassed 1,419 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns, which included 968 rushing yards on 90 carries, and added 60 tackles and one interception during his senior season.
At Penn State: Made the squad during walk-on tryouts during the 2014 spring semester while former coach Bill O'Brien was running things. Did not see any action in the 2014 or 2015 season and appeared in one game against Michigan State last season. Alston is not on the 2017 Penn State roster.
Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chris Gulla, P (Toms River North, Class of 2013)
High school ranks: 0 Stars
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt junior
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 196 pounds
In high school: A 4-year starter at Toms River North, Gulla handled the punting and kicking duties in all four seasons. Team captain his senior year and was chosen as an All-State selection. Made 17-of-22 career field goal attempts and once hit a 45-yard game-winner to beat Southern. Averaged 42 yards per punt.
At Penn State: Redshirted his first year at PSU in 2013 then spent two years punting for the Nittany Lions. In 2014, he punted 28 times for a 37.3-yard average, nine downed inside the 20. In 2015, Gulla punted 23 times for a 37.7 average. Last season, he primarily served as the team's holder on field goals and extra points. Gulla is not listed on the 2017 Penn State roster.
Steve Hockstein | For the Star-Ledger
Irvine Paye, RB (West Orange, Class of 2013)
High school ranks: 0 stars, walked on at Penn State
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt junior
Height/Weight: 5-foot-6, 168 pounds
In high school: Claimed team MVP honors his senior season at West Orange in 2012, rushing for 19 rushing TDs and ending with 22 total TDs. Averaged 150.9 yards per game and 6.53 yards per carry.
At Penn State: Named the Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year an the annual Nittany Lion Football Football Banquet. Appeared in one game in 2016 after making the team as a walk-on earlier in his career, rushing one time for 7 yards and catching one pass for 10 yards. Paye is not listed on the 2017 roster.
via Twitter
Wendy Laurent, OL (The Hun School, Class of 2012)
High school ranks: 3-star recruit by 247Sports and Scout, 2-star recruit by Rivals
Grade in 2016 season: Graduate student
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 297 pounds
In high school: Earned first-team all-area and first-team All-Mid-Atlantic Prep League his senior year at The Hun School. Helped lead the Raiders to the Mid-Atlantic Prep League title during his senior season. A three-year letterman, selected as team captain his senior season...Ranked by Scout.com among the nation's top 20 centers as a senior.
At Penn State: Saw time in 5 games in 2013, 7 games in 2014, 10 games in 2015 and 12 games last season as Penn State went on to win the Big Ten title. Blocked for former Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Laurent is no longer part of the Penn State program after spending 5 years at the school.
via Twitter
Immanuel Iyke, DT (Parsippany Hills, Class of 2011)
High school ranks: 0 stars
Grade in 2016 season: Redshirt freshman
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 280 pounds
In high school: Earned one letter at Parsippany Hills and claimed all-district first team honors as a senior, while playing LB in 2010. Served in the United State Marines for nearly five years after high school, rising to the rank of corporal, before joining Penn State in 2015.
At Penn State: Appeared in one game, making his collegiate debut against Michigan State. The former United States Marine led the team onto the field carrying the American flag on Nov. 5 vs. Iowa during Penn State's Military Appreciation Game.
Penn State Class of 2017 Signees
via Twitter
Fred Hansard, DT (The Hun School, Class of 2017)
High school ranks: A consensus 4-star recruit
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 310 pounds
Offers: 33, according to Rivals, including Rutgers, Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama, USC, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Florida, Georgia and Boston College.
In high school: Hansard was one of the nation's most coveted interior defensive lineman, holding offers from essentially every major college program from coast-to-coast. Initially a Florida commit, Hansard backed out of that initial pledge and signed with Penn State in February. He was at one time NJ.com's No.1-rated recruit in the state, according to NJ.com's Todderick Hunt.
Matt Smith | For NJ Advance Media
Corey Bolds, DT (Paramus Catholic, Class of 2017)
High school ranks: 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 276 pounds
Offers: 19, according to Rivals, including Rutgers, Minnesota, Georgia, Michigan, Clemson, Boston College, Michigan State, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Tennessee
In high school: Bolds, at one time ranked No. 16 in N.J. in NJ.com's Top 50 recruits, was a third team All-State selection last season while helping Paramus Catholic capture the Non-Public Group 4 state title. He made 37 solo tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and one sack en route to leading his team to a 10-2 season.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Robert Martin, OT (St. Joseph, Mont., Class of 2017)
High school ranks: 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports
Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 265 pounds
Offers: 11, according to Rivals, including Rutgers, Boston College, N.C. State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and Maryland
In high school: Martin was a key cog on the offensive line during St. Joseph's run to the Non-Public Group 3 state title and No. 1-ranking in New Jersey last season. On the year, he finished with 16 pancake blocks and was one of the leaders on an O-Line that paved the way for the Green Knights to rush for 2,395 yards on the year (217.7 per game). He was included in several installments of NJ.com's Top 50 recruits by NJ.com's Todderick Hunt.
RELATED: NJ.com's football 2016 All-State team and complete postseason honors
Penn State Class of 2018 Commits
Amanda Marzullo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Justin Shorter, WR (South Brunswick, Class of 2018)
High school ranks: A consensus 4-star recruit by all recruiting services
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 213 pounds
Offers: 18, according to Rivals, including Rutgers, Boston College, Michigan, Miami, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Virginia Tech
In high school: Shorter was ranked as the 9th-best recruit in New Jersey in March, by NJ.com's Todderick Hunt. He is currently rated as the No. 1 Class of 2018 recruit, by 247Sports.com. A talented combination of size (6-4, 225) and speed (4.4-4.5 speed), Shorter is considered one of the top at his position. Shorter hauled in 45 receptions for 718 yards and 6 TDs as a junior last season at South Brunswick, guiding the program to an 8-3 mark. Defensively, he made 33 tackles and recorded 3 INTs.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Dorian Hardy, DL (Paramus Catholic)
High school ranks: A consensus 4-star recruit by all 4 major recruiting services
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 252 pounds
Offers: 20+ offers from some of the top programs in the country, including Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Rutgers, Florida, Pittsburgh, LSU, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Michigan State.
In high school: At St. Joseph last season, Hardy accumulated 37 tackles, including 8 for a loss, and 3.5 sacks as the Green Knights went on to capture the Non-Public Group 3 state title. He added two passes defended, forced one fumble and recovered another and will now slide into the defensive mix for reigning Non-Public Group 4 state champion Paramus Catholic. Hardy is considered the 5th best player in New Jersey, according to Rivals, and 8th best weakside DE in the country.
John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Who's next? List of N.J. Class of '18 recruits with Penn State offers
The list below include New Jersey Class of 2018 recruits that have not yet committed with offers from Penn State. In parentheses is the level of interest the Nittany Lions are showing each recruit, according to 247sports.com.
- Shayne Simon, St. Peter's Prep, LB -- 4 Stars (Warm)
- Tyler Friday, Don Bosco Prep, DT -- 4 Stars (Warm)
- Jahan Dotson, The Peddie School, WR -- 4 Stars (Warm)
- Jayson Oweh, Blair Academy, DE -- 4 Stars (Warm)
- Khris Banks, DePaul, OT -- 3 Stars (Cool)
- Marcellus Earlington, Don Bosco Prep, DE -- 3 Stars (Warm)
- Jasiah Provillon, Irvington, ATH -- 3 Stars (Warm)
Jayne Kamin-Oncea | USA TODAY Sports
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JJ Conrad may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @jj_conrad. Like NJ.com High School Sports on Facebook.
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