Five-star defensive end Micah Parsons committed to play his college football at Penn State on Wednesday. He’s expected to sign shortly, while the sport’s Early Signing Period rolls on. It’s huge news, as Parsons is the No. 2 end in the class of 2018, according to the industry-consensus 247Sports Composite.
5-star DE Micah Parsons signing with Penn State, giving the Lions a dominant edge rusher
Parsons might be the best edge rusher in the class of 2018.
A Central Pennsylvanian product, Parsons committed to Penn State in February 2016, about two years before his signing date. He decommitted in April 2017, but maintained all along that the Nittany Lions were still on his radar. Ohio State and Nebraska were firmly in the picture at the time of his decommitment, while Alabama, Oklahoma, and Georgia emerged as possible suitors as Parsons’ recruitment went on.
What Parsons will be in college isn’t clear, other than that he’ll be really good. Most evaluators classify him as a defensive end, but he’s worked some as a linebacker, including at Nike’s Opening recruiting showcase in the summer of 2017. Whether he’s starting plays with a hand in the grass or standing up, his primary role will be pass-rushing. Parsons is going to torch many an offensive tackle for the next few years.
Parsons might turn out to be the best end in the class that’s loaded with elite ends. He’s in a pretty clear top tier with K.J. Henry from North Carolina, Eyabi Anoma from Baltimore, and Xavier Thomas, a Clemson signee.
Thomas is a certain defensive lineman in college, while Henry and Anoma are like Parsons in having some linebacker potential. Parsons is 6’3 and 235 pounds, and he’s one of the best pure athletes anywhere. He’ll be a star no matter how he’s deployed.
