PHILADELPHIA — Archrival recruiting analysts, Bob Lichtenfels and Mike Farrell have been known to make different observations.

Not when it comes to Penn State. The two are in total agreement that the Nittany Lions will struggle in recruiting as long as Joe Paterno remains the coach.

So much so that "I think every opposing football coach in the country and every program in the country is probably hoping Joe Paterno stays around for a while," said Lichtenfels, Scout.com's East regional recruiting manager.

Paterno's age, concerns about his health, and his recruiting practices are the reasons.

The 83-year-old has not visited a prospect since Terrelle Pryor in January 2008 at Jeannette High School. And this season, Penn State waited much longer than other schools to even offer written scholarships.

So, eight months after posting a strong 2010 recruiting class, Penn State has been slow to secure recruits in its 2011 class.

Jeff Nelson, Penn State's sports information director, said the school would not have a comment on the recruiting process. "We're in the midst of the season," Nelson said.

Penn State has just four oral commitments, the fewest among Big Ten Conference programs.

Scout.com has the Nittany Lions' current 2011 recruiting class — Penn Wood defensive end Shawn Oakman, Roxbury (N.J.) offensive lineman Angelo Mangiro, Fairview defensive end Jordan Kerner, and William Penn (Del.) tight end Kyle Carter — ranked No. 63.

Rivals.com lists only the top 50 in its national rankings. Penn State failed to make the list.

Both websites have the Nittany Lions ranked 10th among Big Ten Conference schools and 11th when adding Nebraska, a conference member starting in 2011.

Penn State's 2010 class was ranked 10th nationally by Scout.com and 12th by Rivals.com.