Pennsbury's Denman picks Penn State By KEVIN COONEY STAFF WRITER Calkins Media, Inc. |
It was his last stop on Saturday afternoon's tour of Happy Valley. And as J.J. Denman walked onto the ground of Penn State's football training facility, he could see the school's legendary coach-Joe Paterno- coming to greet him.
"That was an honor to meet him," the Pennsbury lineman said. "I mean, he rolled into the complex in his Mercedes and he was just a great guy to talk to. He was cracking jokes and he made you feel great about being there."
That may have been the moment that sealed Denman's future as a Nittany Lion. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound junior gave his verbal commitment to the school on Wednesday night, edging out finalists Michigan and Wisconsin. Boston College, Rutgers and Notre Dame were also on Denman's short list.
"Penn State had all of the things that I was looking for," said Denman, who projects to play right tackle in college. "It's playing in the Big 10, for an elite level program that's going to help me develop not just as a player, but as a student."
Denman has been ranked as one of the top offensive line prospects in the country by several scouting services. He is projected to be one of those immediate impact players at the next level, a guy who is capable of breaking into a lineup very quickly.
"I want to play as soon as humanly possible," Denman said. "But I also want to be able to feel comfortable and ready for whenever I get the chance to play. And I feel that Penn State gives me that opportunity right now."
That could involve the adding of more weight to his frame, but Denman was told by Penn State officials not to worry about that. "They said to stay at this level and then they'll work on it when I arrive," Denman said.
Now, he can concentrate on the road ahead and his senior season.
"That was one of the goals I was looking for coming into the process," Denman said. "Now, I can get ready and be prepared to have a great year with my teammates."
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Denman figures to get a chance to play early in his career, something he said was a factor in his decision.
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Denman visited the campus over the weekend and his meeting with Joe Paterno may have been what won him over.
"That was an honor to meet him," the Pennsbury lineman said in a report by Kevin Cooney on PhillyBurbs.com. "I mean, he rolled into the complex in his Mercedes and he was just a great guy to talk to. He was cracking jokes and he made you feel great about being there."
Denman chose Penn State over Big Ten rivals Michigan and Wisconsin in addition to Boston College, Rutgers and Notre Dame. "Penn State had all of the things that I was looking for," said Denman. "It's playing in the Big 10, for an elite level program that's going to help me develop not just as a player, but as a student."
