James Franklin and Penn State starts its 2023 recruiting class off with a bang on Thursday with an afternoon commitment from Ashburn (Va.) Broad Run offensive lineman Alex Birchmeier. The blue-chipper is tabbed by the Top247 as the country’s No. 1 interior offensive lineman and No. 19 prospect overall.
“Just the location, the family there, everything is great about it,” Birchmeier told 247Sports. “I’ve been think about going there since they offered me. Such a great school and it’s close to home.”
The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Birchmeier had already racked up close to 30 offers. He took trips to Happy Valley, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech in June and found his future home in State College.
“I’ve been recruited for so long now, I’ve seen everything and heard everything and I know what I like and it’s the right decision for me,” Birchmeier said. The Nittany Lions were one of the first programs to extend a scholarship to Birchmeier who is also a standout wrestler. Led by offensive line coach Phil Trautwein and area recruiter Ja’Juan Seider, Penn State has been pushing since Feb of 2020, just a few days after Birchmeier finished third in the state on the mat in the heavyweight classification as a freshman.
“I think Coach Trautwein is a a great coach,” Birchmeier said. “Young dude, it’s definitely easy to relate to him. He has goo experience at Boston College and Penn State and he’s done a good job so far, that’s piqued my interest a lot. He spent six years in the league so he can get me to the next level.”
Penn State has 247Sports No. 3 recruiting class in the 2022 cycle and now they’re off and running with this rising junior group.
“I see Coach Franklin and how he built the 2022 class, top three in the country right now and I think we can do the same thing in 2023,” Birchmeier said. “I think Coach Franklin is a winner and he doesn’t expect to lose and he can definitely lead a team.”
Birchmeier committed to Franklin, Trautwein and Seider over a FaceTime call.
“They were super excited,” Birchmeier said. Obviously he was too. “The football atmosphere, the campus, the school, the image of walking into a game with 107,000 fans and everything. I like everything they have. It’s great.”
Birchmeier has already been selected to play in the All-American Bowl following his senior season and 247Sports National Analyst Brian Dohn loves his potential.
“Frame length to be an offensive tackle in college but can also be dominant guard. Excels as wrestler. Athletic, physical, punishing run blocker. Feisty and flexible. Plays with attitude. Quick feet and very good at pulling. Can sink hips and win leverage. Strong initial punch. As frame matures and strength is added, could be devastating player on high school level. Expected lower body development will aid in drive blocking. Will continue to develop pass pro skills. Starter at elite level Power 5 school.”
