In joining Charlie’s Top PSU moments, we’ve added another daily countdown feature here at quebecpenspinning. We’ll be measuring up the 50 most important players to Penn State’s success in the 2009 season.  Because we missed yesterday, look for two Lion Profiles today.

Checking in at #44 is the coup de grace of Penn State’s 2009 recruiting efforts, big offensive tackle Eric Shrive.

Number: 75
Position: Offensive Tackle
Class: True Freshman
Height: 6′7
Weight: 300
Hometown: West Scranton, PA
How’d He Get Here: Eric Shrive was perhaps Penn State’s most highly touted recruits in last year’s class.  He was the only Lion to earn 5 stars on either of the two major services, and ranked towards the top of not just the Pennsylvania rankings, but even as the #2 offensive tackle in the country from Scout.com.  What’s even more impressive, though, is the fact that Penn State was able to secure his commitment.  Though Shrive grew up a Notre Dame fan, and had offers from just about every top program in the country, including the Irish, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Georgia, Auburn, Nebraska, and Miami, Dick Anderson and Mike McQuery were able to convince the massive tackle who was long consider a Notre Dame “lock” to come to Penn State.
2008 Results: N/A
What to Expect in 2009: Dennis Landolt will return for the Lions, probably a the same right tackle position he played last year.  Though Landolt is entrenched as a starter, protecting Daryll Clark’s blind side will be one of a group of untested and young linemen.  It’s not likely that Shrive will compete for playing time right away, but look for Penn State to start grooming Shrive to be a tackle of the future, giving him plenty of playing time.
The Final Word: Just because someone comes in as a highly touted recruit doesn’t mean they’re going to pan out.  And when it comes to highly ranked offensive linemen, the Penn State doesn’t have the best track record (see: Logan-El, Antonio and Holler, Joel).  However, Shrive seems to eb the real deal.  It might not be 2009, but Shrive is going to make a big impact for the Nittany Lions in the not-too-distant future.