Penn State recruit Christian Hackenberg named Sports Illustrated's HS Player of the Week

Incoming Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg was named the Sports Illustrated High School Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 15 for his play at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia.

Hackenberg is a four-star recruit, considered the No. 1 pro-style QB in the country by ESPN and No. 3 by Rivals. The 6-foot-4 Hackenberg has Fork Union at 10-2 and rolling through the Virginia state playoffs. Sports Illustrated's Gabriel Baumgaertner wrote that Hackenberg is looking forward to playing under Bill O'Brien, staying with the school after committing in February despite the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky scandal:

"Coach O'Brien's offense is really great because it puts a lot on the quarterback," Hackenberg said. "I look forward to getting the ball up the field fast and keep going. I think it's an offense that suits my skill set."

Hackenberg could possibly to have a chance to play quickly when he arrives in State College. Matt McGloin, now in his third year starting for the Nittany Lions, will graduate after this season. His backup had been Rob Bolden, who transferred to LSU. Behind him on the depth chart is Steven Bench, a true freshman who took the backup spot from sophomore Paul Jones.

Jones subsequently left for FCS James Madison. After that, there's Shane McGregor, a senior third-stringer, and Garrett Venuto, a junior walk-on.