Signed: Mac Hippenhammer
WHAT HE DID During his three seasons of varsity ball, Hippenhammer led Snider to a 35-5 record, including an IHSAA Class 5A State Championship in 2015. While they fell short of their goal in 2016, Hippenhammer had an excellent season, recording 46 receptions for 611 yards. He also rushed for 350 yards, scoring 14 total touchdowns. Hippenhammer was also a threat on special teams, racking up four touchdowns on either punt or kick returns.
WHAT HE WON Hippenhammer was an All-State selection his junior and senior year. A three-star prospect, he’s currently ranked No. 61 overall at wide receiver and fifth in the state of Indiana.
WHERE HE VISITED Hippenhammer visited a few mid-West programs his junior year - Michigan State, Indiana, Northwestern, Notre Dame, to name a few. Penn State came into the picture this past summer, following an excellent showing at one of the staff’s satellite camps. He was offered just a few days later and ended up visiting the following month for the Lasch Bash BBQ. He committed the following month, and even though one of his dream schools, Notre Dame, made a late push, he ended up sticking with his original commitment.
QUOTABLE "I really liked them a lot because they really believed in me and went after me hard. When they offered me it was big leap of faith for them because I didn't have a lot of Big Ten offers. Everything fits me perfectly. The offense they play in - there's a good opportunity to play there early. Not that I picked the school just because of early playing time. I have the skill set to play inside and outside.”
PHIL's TAKE Next to Journey Brown and K.J. Hamler, Hippenhammer might be the most explosive performer in Penn State’s class. He has sub-4.5-second 40-yard speed, a 38-inch vertical leap and the ability to change directions on a dime. Hippenhammer can play either in the slot or at an outside wide receiver position in Joe Moorhead’s offensive scheme. He could also help out as early as this fall on punt and kickoff returns. As a senior at Snider High, he averaged 40 yards on kickoff returns and 24 yards on punt returns. With Saeed Blacknall and DaeSean Hamilton graduating following the 2017 season, Hippenhammer could end up as a three-year contributor at wideout.