With no clear-cut superstars, the new recruiting class of 33 members is being described as solid. The 1998 Penn football recruiting class will not set any records. It probably will not even win many starting positions, but it should get the job done. The class does not feature any superstars, but it is a class which should be able to help the Quakers for the next few years. "It's a solid class," said Jerome James, Penn's coordinator of football operations. "It will fill the holes we have in the lineup." One large hole may be filled by Boston University transfer Mike Germino. The 6'1", 255-pound Germino should compete with tackles Jason Maehr and Dave Townsend for playing time on a defensive line that loses the services of Mitch Marrow, Doug Zinser and Roger Beckwith. An All-Western Massachusetts selection and team MVP in high school, the Longmeadow, Mass., native played every game on the d-line for BU last fall. For the second straight year, the Quakers will receive a transfer student at the quarterback position. Unlike highly-touted Duke transfer Matt Rader, however, this year's transfer QB, Edward Mebs from the University of Miami, is not expected to make an immediate impact. Rader has the starting position and time for other quarterbacks should be limited. Rader, however, only has one year of eligibility remaining, while Mebs -- who redshirted at Miami this year -- has four years remaining and may figure into Penn's future plans at quarterback. The Red and Blue will also gain the services of defensive back Matt Dawson, who is transferring from the Naval Academy this year. The rest of the Class of 1998 is composed of 30 incoming freshmen. While no first-year men are expected to make an immediate impact, several will definitely fit into Penn coach Al Bagnoli's plan for the future. Colin Smith, a 6'2", 185-pound wide receiver from Yuba City, Calif., is one such recruit. Smith chose Penn over several interested Division I-A teams, including the Air Force Academy. The class is also composed of some local talent. Dan Bonner, a 6'1", 225 pound linebacker, is a recent graduate of Malvern Prep. Mount Laurel, N.J., native and Lenape High School graduate Matt Repsher will also bring his skills at the linebacker position to Franklin Field. Punter Ryan Lazzeri will not have very far to travel either, as he is a recent graduate of Salesianum High School and a native of Kennett Square, Pa. Finally, one recruit's mere presence may impact the team in morale, if not in performance. Although this particular offensive lineman from Lewisville, Texas, may not step into the starting lineup, his name suggests that a league championship may be on its way to Franklin Field. His name? Lucky Ivy.
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