Five-Star DE Nolan Smith visiting Penn State this weekend

Penn State is set to host multiple top 2019 prospects next weekend, Dec. 7-9, but James Franklin and his staff will also host one of its top remaining targets this weekend: five-star defensive end Nolan Smith.

A 6-foot-3, 228 pound weakside end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., Smith committed to Georgia back in January, but always planned to take a handful of official visits down the stretch. So far, he's taken official visits to Alabama and Tennessee and he's planning to also visit Ohio State and Georgia before signing his letter of intent in December.

"Five-star Georgia commit Nolan Smith has been one of my favorite players in this class," said Rivals.com analyst Adam Gorney back in September. "I love his personality. Something that really doesn't come through on just watching the game tape is how motivating he is to his teammates on the sideline. He's always the guy trying to pick people up. He's always the guy trying to get the defense motivated to get out there and get a stop and that's something that's contagious...

"He flies around the field at defensive end, outside linebacker. He's kind of that hybrid guy that's become so popular in the college game. He's perfect at playing those positions. He puts his body on the line and goes after it every play."

Penn State sent assistant coach Ja'Juan Seider to IMG on Thursday to meet with Smith and his teammate, running back Noah Cain. Smith led IMG in tackles this year, totaling 47. He also had 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Smith is coached by former Nittany Lion Keith Goganious, who's now the defensive coordinator at IMG.