Matthew Boyles

409 wins, 2 National Titles, 46 seasons, and millions of dollars in donations is what Joe Paterno gave to the Pennsylvania State University. Joe built great men out of boys, and he gave rural Central Pennsylvania a national presence with football teams that could compete with anybody. The end of his legendary life comes in the midst of scandal, shame, and tragedy.

How do you put into words the true reach of his legendary life?

Paterno will be remembering for the great things he has done in his life. The way he lived for Penn State, his commitment to the players he served, and his ability to communicate with the youth of our nation in a way they was beyond most parents abilities. 350 players who have played for Coach Paterno have signed NFL contracts. He was a master of the game, and was always biggest on discipline and playing smart. Many of his players were just part of his extended family.

You'll see and hear many testaments of Paterno's good will and character throughout the next few weeks. The outcry of his life works will ring from every corner of this country, Joe has touched so many lives in many different ways. Many have been influenced by Joe, and will share the good memories of a life lived to the fullest.

"Joe was a friend, and Penn State's best ambassador. Legend. (It was) An honor to be a part of the radio broadcast and to have worked with Joe and George Paterno"

-Roger Corey Penn State Broadcast Team

His passing is sad, but the sentiment from his family about his final moments shows his strength.

Paterno passed away at 9:25 a.m. ET Sunday, and the official cause of death was metastic small cell carcinoma of the lung. He was surrounded in his dying moments like he was in life, he was with family and friends. His family released the following statement about Joe, and the support he has received.

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today. His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled. He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."

A statement from university president Rodney Erickson and the Board of Trustees was released shortly after Paterno's death:

"We grieve for the loss of Joe Paterno, a great man who made us a greater university. His dedication to ensuring his players were successful both on the field and in life is legendary and his commitment to education is unmatched in college football. His life, work and generosity will be remembered always.

"The University plans to honor him for his many contributions and to remember his remarkable life and legacy. We are all deeply saddened."

Pay homage to the man, he truly gave all he had. Most of us in life can only hope to give most of what we are to a singular thing. Paterno was a victim of bad circumstances. He did what what he thought was right, and even if it wasn't by your standards enough, he wasn't the one abusing the children.

I have heard some blame Sandusky for Paterno's death, some calling him a killer. Paterno's death was not caused by Sandusky; it was the result of an illness. The real tragedy in State College was the scandal, and Paterno's death just added to the legacy and impact of the most terrible NCAA scandal ever.

With Bill O'Brien still in NFL mode, his staff has been meeting with and contacting recruits to fill out the 2012 class. Among other missing pieces, is the glaring fact that the Nittany Lions have yet to get a commitment from a five star recruit.

Yes, the Sandusky sex abuse scandal is playing it's part, the coaching staff is trying to salvage this years class and not looking for the one stud to send them over the top. If you're trying to play catch up, you'll never get ahead.

A bigger issue is, and has been for a few years, the fact that Penn State isn't the biggest destination in the Big Ten Conference. Schools loke Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and now Nebraska all offer great opportunities and a chance to be a winner now.

The barrage of four-star recruits means the Nittany Lions will field some good and solid teams, but getting and attracting five star guys is how you determine how elite a program is.

Penn State should start by looking at the top players in this state. According to Rivals.com, of the top ten best high school players in Pennsylvania, Penn State has only secured one of these players, WR Eugene Lewis from Plymoth PA (four-star).

The biggest blow to Penn State recruiting efforts has been the inability to lock down Noah Spence. Spence is the top ranked defensive end in the nation. He is also the top recruit in PA and the ninth best overall recruit in the country.

The best schools lock down the best talent in their home state. Spence is all that and more, and he plays a position Penn State has been known to develop NFL quality talent at. Spence is an immediate starter, but now for rival Ohio State.

The inability to nab any five star recruits is one failure, but losing a blue-chip recruit you have been courting all year from your own state is another level.

There are still players in PA that are looking at Penn State, most notably Demetrious Cox. Cox is ranked as the tenth best recruit in PA, as a four star defensive back from Jeanette PA. Cox was visiting the PSU campus over the weekend.

It might be a little too late in the game for O'Brien to make a huge impact on this year's recruits, his real test will come in the form of 2013 and 2014 recruiting classes. That's when Nittany Lions fans will get a good gauge on how well he can fill the role as savior to a Penn State Football Program still reeling from controversy.

For More from the Penn State recruiting Trail follow Matthew on Twitter @FanOverboard

One of the most interesting things that came from a meeting involving Penn State president Rodney Erickson and approximately 600 alumni to discuss the recent happening surrounding the university and its football program was the fact that Penn State will honor Joe Paterno for his accomplishments.

"There is no plan in place at the present time, but there will be," Erickson said. "I can't tell you yet what it will be or when it will be, but we will publicly honor Joe and his wife, Sue, for all the many things they have done for the university, both from an athletic standpoint and an academic standpoint."

Not quite an admission of guilt, or unjust haste, but at least there the talk of taking Paterno's statue down at Beaver Stadium is a thing of the past.

This is quite a turn around in stance from Penn State, and the recent reaction from alumni over the hire of Bill O'Brien as the new Penn State Football Head Coach, and not Tom Bradley probably had something to do with it.

Paterno coached at Penn State for 61 seasons (46 as head coach) and collected 409 wins, the most in NCAA Division I history. Ignoring Paterno's achievement, athletically, is much like Pete Rose's Hall of Fame absence.

While Erickson is trying to repair the school's image with the general public, alumni, and employees, the past few months have hit Penn State hard. While the school fired Paterno, they continue to support former AD Tim Curley and President Gram Spanier from afar. Honoring Paterno is the right thing in this case, and you should applaud the school for standing up for what's right, there could be some backlash should they honor Paterno from some, who maintain their focus on the real victims.

The University has no formal commitment to keeping Erickson's word, but in light of the recent findings on Paterno's health and his continued support for the school (He reportedly gave over $100,000 to the school after he was fired) I do believe the University will do the right thing.

Erickson is also meeting tonight in Philadelphia and Friday in New York with more alumni to further gauge reactions and answer tough questions.

Erickson said he has not spoken to Paterno since he was fired but did send him a note Wednesday, thanking him for his contributions to the university and wishing him well in his fight against cancer.

According to reports by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Penn State is meeting Today with Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. Schefter is saying that Penn State has identified O'Brien as the coach they want.

"Penn State has been eyeing, scouting and honing in on the 42-year-old O'Brien throughout the past month, sources said. He fits the profile of the head coach Penn State has been seeking. O'Brien is well-schooled and has a mixture of experience at the college and pro levels. In an odd coincidence, O'Brien even attended and played football at Brown, as Paterno did."

From ESPN.com "Source: Penn St., Bill O'Brien to meet"