It’s rare be a freshman in college have four best friends who know how you’re feeling, but for five young men from Baltimore that’s exactly what they’ll experience when they arrive in Happy Valley.
Five Maryland high school seniors all signed their National Letter of Intent to play for the Penn State Nittany Lions Wednesday. In celebration, their moms organized a signing party at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Columbia, Md.
The turnout was amazing. Family, friends, coaches and mentors all praised and congratulated the men. Head football coach James Franklin even made an appearance via Skype. All of the boys were overwhelmed and excited.
Gilman School defensive tackle and full back, Ellison Jordan said he can’t wait to get to Happy Valley this June.
“The campus life is great,” he said. “I like the way that everybody is just one community, like that ‘we are’ just signifies one whole big family, not just football players, but all the other guys outside like the fans, the school, and the fan base, everything.”
All of the boys are excited to play for Coach Franklin and the opportunities that exist at Penn State University. Linebacker Cameron Brown from Bullis High School said that he’s looking forward to being a part of the team that recreates the football legacy.
“They’ve given me a great opportunity to play early and get a good relationship with the coach,” he said. “I just have to get in, gain some weight and I’ll be able to play… Penn State did a great job recruiting the area and everybody is feeling confident in the program. Everybody wants to be a part of legacy to bring back Penn State.”
The excitement was obvious Wednesday night, at times it was difficult to determine who was more enthusiastic- the boys or their family. Riverdale Baptist School corner back, Zech McPhearson is looking forward to joining his brother on the field.
“My brother is up there now,” he said. “Their especially excited about that, both of us going up there to play football… it’ll be fun, he’s a wide receiver and I’m a corner, so I’m about to go against him all day in practice.”
Apart from the anticipation to take the field, all of the boys are excited about the academic experience as well.
Dae’lun Darien, a wide receiver from Dunbar High School, is already looking forward to the future that Penn State could unlock.
“The opportunities that I have after school, whether it be the NFL or just getting a nice job and getting paid, the Penn State degree looks good on your resume.”
The boys have been getting to know each other since they all committed. They have a group text message and they’re excited to have each other and also meet new teammates and classmates.
The biggest thing that excited them the most was the fan base. None of them are used to playing for so many fans. At Beaver Stadium they’ll be playing in front of thousands of fans, plus a television audience.
Shane Simmons, a defensive end from DeMatha Catholic, is excited about the competition and opportunities that come with playing in the Big 10 Conference.
“Great competition and big guys, so you know there’s a lot of TV time,” he said.
The excitement, joy and anticipation from all of the players, coaches and families was unlike any other experience. The boys are just starting to realize what’s in store for the next phase of their lives.
They have a lot of work ahead of them, beginning in just a few months. But come September when that first whistle blows and 7,000 fans are screaming and cheering, that hard work will all seem worth it... We Are.
Click here for more on Penn State's 2016 recruiting class.
