So much for that wall. In the aftermath of Wannastache’s abrupt ‘resignation’ from Pitt, it was inevitable many of Pitts verbals would be left scrambling for greener pastures. And the first casualty from the fall of Wanny’s wall is 6’2″ 220 lb linebacker recruit Ben Kline. The 3 star linebacker out of Dallastown High School, Pennsylvania reopened his recruitment eventually deciding to commit to Penn State instead. A considerable blow to the Pitt Panthers whose recruits are openly contacting the Nittany Lions.

Ben Kline’s path to Penn State was not as smooth as he had hoped it would be. He was initially recruited by and held offers from West Virginia, Boston College, UConn, Duke, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rutgers, Pitt and Vanderbilt. But throughout the process, Penn State had shown interest, but never extended a scholarship offer to Kline before he eventually committed to Pitt back in June.

Since the turmoil at Pitt, it seems as if Kline had indeed received that coveted offer from Penn State which he immediately jumped on just 1 day following Wanny’s dismissal. Sean Fitz at Lions247.com has this to report.

My parents and I sat down today and I talked to my coach and I’m going to go to Penn State,” he said Wednesday evening. “I really enjoyed my visit this weekend, I was up there, I really liked everything and all the coaches and the whole situation.

“I was weighing my options and everything and trying to figure out everything that I wanted to do. Obviously with Coach Wannstedt being let go, I love those guys out there and everything and I really feel for them, but once that all happened it just kind of solidified that Penn State was the place for me.”

Ben Kline will be a great addition to the Nittany Lions both on and off the field. In addition to a 4.5, 40 yard dash, surprisingly fast for his size, he also reports a 30 ACT and 1880 SAT score in addition to a 2.9 core GPA. It will be his speed however that will be the greatest asset at the linebacker position. An asset not lost on his high school coach when Kline became the first player in Dallastown to start on varsity as a freshman. In addition to contributing on the gridiron, he was also a standout sprinter on the Dallastown track and field team routinely posting 100 meter dash times just over 11 seconds. Impressive for someone who stands 6’2″ and 220 lbs.

During his junior season, Kline was utilized on both sides of the ball. In addition to playing on offense where he amassed 399 yards on 26 receptions and 4 TDs and rushed for 156 yards and an another 4 TDs, he also recorded 118 tackles (68 solo) on defense in the linebacker spot helping lead his team to a 6-5 record.

As a senior this past season, Kline led his team to a 11-1 record including a perfect 10-0 regular season and their first York-Adams League Division I title in 30 years having played on both sides of the ball once again. Kline led the squad defensively as he racked up 152 tackles (93 solo), 1.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery playing the inside linebacker position. On offense he contributed over 848 yards and 13 touchdowns including 338 yards and 8 TDs on the ground and 510 yards and 5 TD catches through the air. A cumulative season long performance that made him an easy unanimous choice by the coaches as the York-Adams League Division I Player of the Year.

Welcome to the Penn State family Kline!