Penn State Recruiting: Jerry Sandusky Plague Already Damaging Program

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Back on Monday or Tuesday, speculating about what kind of effects the still-blooming Penn State mushroom cloud might have on recruiting felt crass and months premature. But whether we like it or not, it's already having an effect. So let's talk about it.

Four-star 2012 offensive lineman Joey O'Connor has decommitted from Penn State, saying he "just wanted to relieve some of this pressure off of me with everything that is going on." O'Connor, a Colorado native, has picked up offers from like the entire Pac-12. At one point, he looked to be the recruit that was going to save an at-the-time lackluster class.

The Nittany Lions class has slipped to No. 21 overall, according to Rivals.

And shortly after the news broke, Noah Spence, a five-star defensive end and Rivals' top player in Pennsylvania, tweeted the following:

nspence94 Um psu might be a no no for me ewwww 7 Nov

Spence hasn't committed anywhere yet, but Penn State had hoped to obtain his services. He later apologized and said he'd keep an open mind. He has offers from pretty much everywhere.

For more on the Nittany Lions, visit SB Nation's Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries. For the latest news updates on the Jerry Sandusky investigation, follow our comprehensive StoryStream.