For those of you who couldn’t imagine the Pennsylvania State University’s football program doing something that would somehow make it even more evil in your eyes, brace yourself. Chas, you in particular are gonna love this…

According to Neil Rudel‘s column in this morning’s edition of the Altoona Mirror, Joe Paterno is very seriously considering hiring former University of Washington head coach Rick Neuheisel for an undisclosed position on his staff.

“The worst-kept secret in State College centers around former Colorado and Washington head coach Rick Neuheisel spending time with Joe Paterno and possibly being in line for some kind of position.”

Rudel offers a quick justification for ignoring all of the NCAA violations in Neuheisel’s past.

“He did leave a checkered wake at Colorado and Washington… But given these desperate times, what with the Lions unable to recruit the quarterback they want — though Penn Hills’ Anthony Morelli visited over the weekend — Neuheisel’s presence could be a drawing card. Stay tuned.”

Stay tuned indeed. You know, in a perverse sort of way, I hope that Penn State does hire Rick Neuheisel. Wouldn’t it great to see Joe Paterno wrap up his career with a few solid NCAA recruiting violations?

Hail to Nittany Lion desperation. And hands off Morelli already.

Despite national signing day being only eight days off (February 4), Pitt football recruiting has been relatively quiet. Since my last update, there has been some movement in the Official College Sports Network (by ESPN.com’s Bill Hodge) 2004 recruiting class rankings. However, Pitt’s recruiting class has remained stuck at #22.

No. 1 Southern California (Top JCs)
No. 2 LSU
No. 3 Michigan
No. 4 Oklahoma
No. 5 Ohio State
No. 6 Texas
No. 7 Georgia
No. 8 Florida State
No. 9 Miami-Florida
No. 10 Maryland
No. 11 Texas A&M
No. 12 Florida
No. 13 Oregon
No. 14 Alabama
No. 15 Tennessee
No. 16 Penn State
No. 17 Washington
No. 18 Kansas State (Top JCs)
No. 19 Missouri
No. 20 Michigan State
No. 21 UCLA (Top JCs)
No. 22 Pittsburgh
No. 23 Texas Tech (Top JCs)
No. 24 Purdue
No. 25 Arizona State

I find it interesting that although neither Ohio State, Penn State, nor Pitt has signed anybody since my last update, Ohio State has climbed up a spot to #5 (jumping Texas), Penn State has dropped four spots (eight spots since January 16… the Nittany Lions are in the recruiting doldrums, apparently) to #16, and Pitt has remained stuck at #22. Anti-PSU bias in the media, of course.

Incidentally, Pitt remains the only loyal Big East Conference member in OCSN’s top 25.

Over on Superprep.com (powered by TheInsiders.com Recruiting Network), Pitt’s recruiting class remains unranked. Superprep’s top four are identical to OCSN’s. However, Miami and Georgia stand ahead of Ohio State at #7. Penn State is at #9, and Virginia Tech (unranked by OCSN) is at #25.

I haven’t heard anything new on the Anthony Morelli front, so I assume he’s still headed to Pitt… not that some Penn State fans aren’t a little anxious…

Sean (Philadelphia): Please give me your opinion as to whether or not PSU can get Anthony Morelli. It would be great for Penn State and their fans!

Tom Lemming: It looks like Morelli might be shopping around. Penn State and Ohio State are two schools he is serious about. However, he still remains committed to Pitt.

…or even a little bitter…

Ray (MI): Tom, Why do you try to be negative on Penn State chances. I have been observing you for a long time and even on the prospects they have a legitimate chnace you mention that they do not have a prayer? Hope you answer my question..thanks

Tom Lemming: I said earlier that the Nittany Lions have a shot at getting Morelli from Pitt. I’m just trying to be honest here. Penn State started out fast and have hit the skids over the past few months and are trying to rebound.

Hail to Nittany Lion paranoia.