Penn State’s star-studded recruiting class just got even better, as star offensive tackle Sterling Jenkins committed to James Franklin’s Nittany Lions on Tuesday on his hometown TV station. Jenkins, a native of Pittsburgh and a student at Baldwin High School, chose PSU over Ohio State. He also had offers from Alabama, Michigan and a host of others.
Sterling Jenkins commits to Penn State: Nittany Lions land offensive tackle recruit
The four-star offensive tackle is the top-rated prospect in Pennsylvania.
Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Jenkins is rated as a four-star in the 247 Composite Ratings, and he ranks as the 49th best overall player and the fifth best offensive tackle in the nation. He’s also the top recruit in the state, making this an important pickup for Franklin, who has now secured commitments from four of the top seven players in the state, with the rest of the top seven still uncommitted.
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Jenkins is the 14th commit in Penn State’s 2015 class, which now includes 10 four-stars. That, coupled with his admiration for Penn State offensive line coach Herb Hand, was a big factor in his decision, when he discussed his recruitment with SB Nation in early April.
“I love the coaches. I love Coach Hand. What they have going with all of the commits is awesome,” he continued. “It seems like they’re building something that’s truly important. I really admire that about them.”
Jenkins has visited Penn State twice in the past month, as was on campus in State College on Monday, just a day before he committed.
Previously, it was believed that Jenkins had favored Michigan and Ohio State, but the hire of James Franklin, as it has with so many other prospects, has had a profound impact on Jenkins’ recruiting.
