Penn State Football: Nittany Lions Add Running Back to 2024 Class

Penn State’s backfield picked up a boost on Friday afternoon as four-star running back Corey Smith verbally committed to the Nittany Lions over Boston College and Central Michigan, among others. Smith is the first true running back to commit to the Nittany Lions’ Class of 2024, though, listed athlete Quinton Martin is also expected to star in the backfield.

Smith is a massive pickup for Penn State, which had the fifth-best Class of 2024 prior to his commitment, according to the 247 Sports. He becomes the 13th player to announce his verbal commitment to Penn State’s 2024 class. The Nittany Lions already hold commitments from Martin and two of the nation’s top interior linemen in Donovan Harbour and Cooper Cousins.

The commitment gives Penn State strong depth in the backfield alongside the signing of four-star London Montgomery in the Class of 2023 and the verbal commitment of four-star Kiandrea Barker of the Class of 2025. Behind backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, it appears that James Franklin will have an impressive running back room for the next few years.

Smith comes to Happy Valley from Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He also competes in track and field for the Crusaders, posting a time of 11.17 seconds in the 100-meter dash and a distance of 20’1″ in the long jump.

To see what Smith can bring to the Nittany Lions, check out his highlight reel.