The undisputed #1 tight end in America will make his home in Happy Valley starting next year.
Tonight, 16-year-old Cedar Cliff High School junior Adam Breneman made the announcement that he will join the Nittany Lions starting in the fall of 2013.
Choosing to forgo the traditional “hats on the tables” announcement, Adam had just one hat: a blue and white one.
Breneman now anchors one of the best recruiting classes Penn State has seen in a long time. He is the highest rivals.com rated recruit Penn State has had since 2006. His decision comes just about a week after Virginia standout quarterback Christian Hackenberg made his verbal commitment to play for Coach Bill O’Brien.
Breneman cites Hackenberg’s early commitment as something that contributed to his decision.
“I’ve never met Christian in person,” Adam said. “We have been talking for a while and through social media got to know him. It’s great to know I’m going to have a great quarterback throwing me the ball.”
In addition to Hackenberg, Penn State has also received verbal commitments from Ohio cornerback Ross Douglas and 4-star defensive end Garrett Sickels from New Jersey.
The top 4 schools on his list before choosing Penn State were Ohio State, Notre Dame and Maryland. But his choice was clear. All he needed was to be convinced.
“I want to play for my childhood favorite team,” Adam said. “I want to help restore the great traditions of Penn State football.”
Breneman’s high school statistics are beyond impressive. This past season alone he totaled 1,120 yards for 12 touchdowns.
Raised a Penn State fan, the program seemed a natural fit for Breneman. Not to mention, new head coach Bill O’Brien has a way with coaching tight ends; most recently Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots.
When asked about O’Brien’s reaction to his commitment, Breneman said, “He was really excited. He started jumping up and down and pumping his fists.”
By many standards, Breneman’s decision was very early.
“I wasn’t going to do it so early, but I know 100% that I want to be at Penn State.”
Breneman’s life is not just about football, however. Boasting a 3.9 GPA, he holds his academics, faith and family very close to his heart.
“The three things I was looking for in a school were good academics, good coaching, and I also wanted to get involved spiritually,” he said. “The players at Penn State are the kind of players I want to be around – good, responsible people.”
Continuing in the traditions set by the late coach Joe Paterno, Penn State didn’t just get a good football player; it got an all around good person.
If you’re a Penn State fan, you have to be smiling while reading this post. The future is looking bright for Penn State Football.
Congratulations, Adam. Welcome to the family. We are, and now so are you, Penn State.
PHOTO: Matt Brady, NLD
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