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Stanford had the top recruiting class in the Pac-12 heading into signing day and David Shaw would like to keep it that way. He took a step in the right direction by getting a big flip from 4 star safety/linebacker Andrew Pryts, a long time Penn State commit.
This is an even bigger deal than taking 4 star offensive tackle Devery Hamilton away from Michigan because of Pryts' history with Penn State. His father played there under Joe Paterno and he already spurned Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Michigan when he committed there. Pryts explained his decision in a tweet he sent out today.
Proud to be a Stanford Man. pic.twitter.com/hG86Yl4ByN
— Andrew Pryts (@Bpryts30) February 3, 2016
This has to sting for James Franklin, who has lost a number of assistant coaches and some recruits down the stretch. It probably had a lot less to do with any staff changes than what Stanford presents as an educational opportunity, though. That's why they have been able to land Hamilton, Pryts, and keep 4 star defensive tackle Mike Williams from flipping to Texas today. They have something that not a lot of other schools that also play big time football can offer.
Pryts is a great fit for their style of defense. He may grow into a linebacker and he is more than physical enough to do so. He will straight up hit through ball carriers on contact. He's a little stiff in coverage, but he makes up for any tightness in his hips with great recognition and instincts. Most of all, he is a fit for their culture of physicality and toughness on defense.
Even before he was a Stanford commit, he looked like a Stanford kind of player. It's a great pickup for Shaw and his staff and a big win for their overall recruiting philosophy.