Oh, Hello: Four-Star Minnesota LB Blake Betton Commits To Penn State

THE SKINNY

Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
Hometown/High School: Shakopee, MN (Shakopee H.S.)
Ranking: ★★★★ (90 Rivals — No. 27 linebacker)
Notable Offers: Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Washington, Wisconsin

HIGHLIGHTS

View Link

OUTLOOK

Blake Betton jumped out as one of the first midwest prospects that showed real, genuine interest in Penn State after the Nittany Lions hired Matt Campbell. Betton had an offer from Iowa State and was being recruited hard by the Cyclones when Campbell was the head man there, so it only made sense that the interest continued from both sides despite the change in schools. The Minnesota linebacker quickly scheduled a visit to Happy Valley, visiting in late January, and from there it was clear that the Nittany Lions would be major players for Betton. He made additional visits elsewhere throughout the winter and spring — Betton saw Mizzou, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan State, Michigan, and Iowa — but came back to Penn State this weekend where he made his commitment to the Nittany Lions official.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Betton plays all over the field for his high school team, lining up as a middle linebacker sometimes and other times being a deep safety. At linebacker, he shows the ability to make plays in tight, reading and diagnosing option plays and then firing to the ball. At safety, he showcases his athleticism and fluidity moving in space, though there isn’t a ton of him dropping back super deep considering they play a lot of run-heavy option teams. Still, it’s good to see him comfortable back and there and diagnosing things from far away. Not to make the “Sean Lee was a safety in high school” comparison, but there’s a lot of value to a linebacker playing the backend.