What does the addition of Khalil Dinkins mean moving forward?

Penn State's Class of 2021 added its first commitment since July Wednesday afternoon when Pennsylvania native Khalil Dinkins announced his decision.

The North Allegheny prospect is the 14th player to commit to Penn State, and the fourth player from Pennsylvania to join the Nittany Lions this year.

His commitment is significant for a handful of reasons. Let's discuss.

There's no denying that tight ends coach Tyler Bowen has put together some excellent depth at the position. When you consider the two Class of 2022 commitments, Jerry Cross and Holden Staes, plus Mathias Barnwell in 2023, it's clear that tight end shouldn't be an issue in the year's to come.

Bowen played a part in this recruitment, too, but Terry Smith deserves most of the credit here. Not only did he lead this recruitment from the start, but he helped Penn State land a prospect who's father played at Pitt. That's a much needed win for the Nittany Lions, especially within Pennsylvania.

Penn State landed its defensive backs early in the cycle, so the work Smith has done since the spring has gone under the radar a bit, but make no mistake, he's still one of the staff's top recruiters and it should show in the coming months. In addition to Derrick Davis Jr., who's set to announce in less than three weeks, Smith is playing a major role with the 2022 prospects in Philadelphia. The amount of junior talent in and around Philadelphia will have a major impact on just how good that class is. I think Penn State fans should feel good knowing that Smith is leading the charge.

One thing that's been stressed to me for months now is that Penn State thinks very highly of Dinkins. We know he's coming in to play tight end, and that excites the staff, but they also just love the athlete that they're getting. I've mentioned before that I think Dinkins has the potential to be a really good defensive end prospect. I still believe that, but again, I'll stress that he's completely focused on tight end and it sounds like Penn State thinks that way, too.

Over the past few years at North Allegheny, Dinkins hasn't had the splash plays compared to some players elsewhere - largely due the offensive scheme - but that's been changing this season. Dinkins has become one of the focal points of the offense this year, and with that, he's shown a few different ways he can make an impact. Sources stress that Franklin and his staff have been impressed with his ball skills this season, as well as his change of direction. He's also made an impact at running back, and tat's given the staff a good feel for what he could do after the catch.

But most of all, Penn State feels like they're getting an athlete with a wide variety of skills. A lot of top players play multiple positions in high school, but they don't always make an impact outside of their primary spot. Dinkins is excelling at all of them this year. It's not just what he can do as a pass catcher, but also running the ball and even what he's shown on defense. That's arguably what has impressed Franklin and his staff the most dating back to last season, but especially over the past five games. The high school players that don't just excel at their primary position, but also their second or third positions, usually pan out well since Franklin took over the program.

Adam Friedman's take on Dinkins:

"Dinkins is an impressive athlete with a well-rounded skill set, but he'll likely start out as a tight end for Penn State. He does a good job catching the ball with his hands and gets off the line well. It would be a little surprising if he turned into a downfield threat because he isn't the fastest tight end out there, but he should be a good short and intermediate receiver. Expect Dinkins to also be a factor as a blocker in the running game as well."

All eyes turn to Derrick Davis Jr., who's set to announce his commitment in less than three weeks from now, Nov. 7. Just like Dinkins, Smith has led the way with Davis, and I believe that's a major reason why fans should feel good about the staff's chances. With that said, he is expected to make a trip to Athens, Ga., this weekend to see the University of Georgia for himself.

If this was a true official visit, I would be a bit more concerned. With that said, in a normal year, Davis would've undoubtedly returned to Penn State a few times in 2020, so let's keep that in mind, too. I think that trip is notable, and something we shouldn't brush off, but let's not forget that he's taken nine visits to University Park since his freshman year. That's easily the most of any school. He's never seen Georgia, so even after this trip, familiarity is still in Penn State's corner.

Defensive tackle George Rooks is another player to watch, although it does feel like he's stepped away from the mindset that he needs to commit soon. I've heard a few times now that he may wait until December now. Rooks hasn't said that publicly, but keep it in mind.

We'll continue to keep an eye on defensive end Davon Townley for a personal visit to Penn State at some point this fall. He says he wants to drive to State College with his mother so they can see the town, but when that'll happen is still unclear.

Phil Trautwein continues to scout linemen that could play either offensive tackle or center. I wouldn't be surprised if an offer is extended to someone, but this is also a position that I can see the staff trying to flip prospects from other schools once coaching changes begin in December.

I'm still working with 18 as the number that this class could reach, but that's far from a guarantee. If I had to lean over or under that number, I'd lean under. With no evaluations this year, and plenty of transfers expected to come after the season, saving a few scholarships could prove to be the smart move.

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