Penn State welcomed its top-ranked Class of 2017 recruit, defensive back Lamont Wade, for an official visit, Nov. 5-7.

A five-star prospect from Clairton, Pa., Wade has been a regular inside the Lasch Building, as he’s visited with Nittany Lion head coach James Franklin and his assistants more than a dozen times dating back to his sophomore season. However, according to his father, Carlton Wade, his official visit was an experience like no other, as Penn State “rolled out the red carpet.”

“We got into town Saturday morning, probably around 9 AM,” said Wade’s father. “We met with them basically as soon as we got there. We actually went to the team hotel and ate breakfast with the team and the coaches. We just relaxed in our hotel room that afternoon before heading over to the stadium a few hours before the game. When we got to the stadium then, they fed us like kings and queens. It was fantastic. Throughout the whole visit, they really took care of us. They really rolled out the red carpet.”

During the game, Wade spent a lot of time with some of Penn State’s committed players, most notably future offensive lineman Michael Miranda. His father said that was important for his son.

“He spent a lot of time with Mike Miranda during the game,” said Wade. “He’s seen the atmosphere (inside Beaver Stadium) many times, so spending time with the other players and the other guys that were on their official visits, that was big for him. He got to talk to a few of them throughout the game.

“After the game then, he spent a lot of time with Miles Sanders that evening. I know he enjoyed that a lot. It was a good experience for him to get around everyone on the team.”

Wade and his family also spent all of Sunday in State College. It started with a late morning brunch and ended at a popular spot in town, as he and his family had dinner with the coaching staff.

“Franklin was going to host us at his house Sunday, but his basement flooded recently, so we ate brunch with him and all of the staff at the Lasch Building,” said Wade’s father. “That brunch was out of this world. We really appreciate everything they did to organize that. Almost everyone was there. They had all of the coaches and administration there. Lamont met with a few of the coaches then that afternoon. He also met with some academic advisors, so it was a busy day.

“We also met with Coach Franklin one-on-one before heading out to dinner with a few coaches Sunday night. We went up to Champs Sports Bar and ate with a few of their coaches. We didn’t head out of town until (Monday) morning. We actually ate breakfast with a few coaches one more time this morning at the Waffle Shop before heading back to the hotel and leaving town.”

Mr. Wade went on to add, “When we sat down with Coach Franklin, he really just stressed again how important Lamont is to them. He pointed out everything they’re doing and how they’re progressing. I’ll say this: Penn State fans have one heck of a coach. Even if Lamont doesn’t end up there, I want to go back there for games down the road, because he’s made a major impact on me and my family in the time we’ve gotten to know him. Their whole staff is incredible. They’re just great people. I hope Penn State fans understand that.”

While this past weekend’s visit will certainly have a major impact on Wade’s decision, Penn State’s progress on the field these past few weeks will likely play an even bigger role on Wade’s decision, which is expected to come on Dec. 17.

“Oh yeah, it’s definitely impacted things,” said Wade’s father, when asked if Penn State’s recent run of wins has helped the Nittany Lions’ chances at landing a commitment from his son. “Winning has a big impact on every recruits’ decision, Lamont is no different. Of course, we’re looking for a school that offers great academics and can really prepare him for life, but at the same time, he wants to play in big games and really enjoy his experience as a college football player.

“For Penn State, specifically, we’ve been watching Coach Franklin from the very beginning, so to see where they started from and where they are now, it’s very impressive. Looking ahead, they have a great chance to be a top 10 team entering next season, if everything ends well this season. They have so many returning starters, so they have a great chance to keep this run going into next year and beyond. Not only are they on a nice winning streak, but they’re getting better every week. The offense is definitely getting better. The players have really bought into what Coach Moorhead is doing. The sky's the limit for them.”

Wade is expected to take three more official visits to Pitt, UCLA and West Virginia, although he’s yet to set a date for any of those three schools. Those visits will likely depend on his playoff schedule, as Clairton defeated Avella, 50-6, on Friday in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs.

Wade is currently the nation’s ninth-ranked overall prospect. He’s the No. 1 prospect in Pennsylvania for the Class of 2017.