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Oh, Hello: 2016 5-Star MD DE Shane Simmons Commits to Penn State

Penn State snags one of the biggest prizes of the 2016 recruiting class in one of the top defensive ends in the country

By Matt de Bear

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Shane Simmons, ladies and gentlemen!

Stats:

Home/HS: Hyattsville, MD/DeMatha Catholic

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 221 lbs

Recruited By: Sean Spencer

Starz 'n Sheetz:

Stars: 5* 247 Composite, 4* Rivals, ESPN, Scout

Offer Sheet: Florida State, Alabama, Maryland, Ohio State, Arizona State, Baylor, Cincinnati, Clemson, Georgia, Miami, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forrest, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Cinema:

The Tale:

Shane had long been thought to be leaning towards Florida State, as evidenced by a whopping 80% of his Crystal Ball predictions favoring the Seminoles in the days leading up to his announcement. However, Simmons has maintained a strong relationship with James Franklin, as well as defensive line coach Sean Spencer, going back to their time at Vanderbilt. He spent a day at PSU in late June for one of the Lions' camp sessions, and set his announcement date shortly after that.

Talk has persisted since that visit to Happy Valley that PSU was a serious player for Simmons, and as announced on ESPN earlier this afternoon, that was indeed the case as he verbally committed to Penn State. He becomes the second member of the 2016 class, joining PA running back Miles Sanders.

Outlook:

It only takes one look at Simmons' offer list to realize what kind of talent Coach Spencer will have to work with when he arrives on campus in a couple of years. In case that wasn't enough, just take a look at his film.  He is exceptionally quick (4.38 shuttle), and that 6'4" frame will only get bigger and stronger as he grows.

It is tough to project where things will stand in fall of 2016, and beyond, but current redshirt freshman Garrett Sickels will be a junior, while 2015 class members Kamonte Carter, Ryan Bucholz, and Jonathan Holland will be entering their second years at PSU. That has the makings of a very athletic, and very talented, stable of defensive ends.

You can follow Shane on Twitter at @Shizzeee_

Welcome to Penn State, Shane!

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