During the last few years of his 45-year tenure as Nittany Lions coach, Joe Paterno left most of the recruiting duties to his assistant coaches. But that still didn't stop him from making an impact on the class of 2012 prospects.
Some of those recruits -- both players committed to Penn State and others that ended up elsewhere -- took to Twitter or spoke about their emotions following the legendary coach's death Sunday morning.
ESPNU 150 OT and former PSU commit Joey O'Connor: “It’s a really sad day and hard to see that happen to the University. Coach Paterno’s wife and family will be in my prayers.”
Four-star CB and PSU commit Armani Reeves: “I’ve been around and known Joe for about five years now, so he was more than just a coach to me. He was a role model, and I truly looked up to him as a coach and as a human. I’m truly saddened how everything happened. But Joe left a legacy that no man will ever be able to repeat again. I thank him being a role model to me and everyone else in the college football world.”
Reaction from Twitter:
Three-star LB and former PSU commit Camren Williams (@CamrenWilliams5): "RIP JoePa, it was an honor meeting you and developing a relationship with you. You are THE GREATEST coach ever...on and off the field."
Nyeem Wartman (@Hard_Hitz_Ny): "RIP. JoePa, thanks for your stamp of approval to #PSU you will be missed, promise to go hard at state when i get there. #PENNSTATEPRIDE"
Brent Wilkerson (@PSUBound_84): "#RIP Joe Paterno.. Didn't have to know you long to realize you were a GREAT man."
PSU commit Jake Kiley (@PSU_Kiley_2): "I think that the stadium should be renamed, in his honor. For his demonstration of true value, pride, and willingness to impact others lives. No I'm not decommitting! This gives me more of a reason to go, I'm making it my goal to carry on his pride and tradition. #SuccessWithHonnor"
