We have a ways to go before we catch up with Texas, but Penn State landed their first verbal commitment today for the class of 2008. Six-foot-four 290 pound offensive lineman Matt Stankiewitch of Blue Mountain high school in Schuylkill Haven, PA committed to Penn State as expected during his unofficial visit this weekend.
Stankiewitch was named second team AAA All State after his junior season. He was also a two time first team all conference selection. The coaching staff projects him to play center for the Lions.
Obviously Stankiewitch isn't a high profile recruit. Heck, his Rivals and Scout profiles didn't even have pictures associated with them so that tells you something. But then, centers and guards are rarely well known this early in the recruiting process. This may not appear to be a huge get right now, but landing a decent center was a moderate need for Penn State. Shipley is scheduled to graduate after the 2008 season, and right now his backups are two walk on players and true freshman Stefen Wisniewski.
The Recruiting Board has been updated.