:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48634423/6_3618168.0.0.jpg)
Penn State's 2016 recruiting class was dealt another blow on Monday, as New Jersey defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour announced that he has chosen to back out of his verbal commitment to Penn State. It's tough news for Penn State, as that now leaves them with just one defensive tackle in the 2016 class, a position that was supposed to be where the Nittany Lions loaded up in this recruiting cycle.
Dwumfour's decision comes just over a week after an official visit to Michigan, that by all accounts, went very well. The Wolverines and Jim Harbaugh turned up the heat on Dwumfour since the dead period ended, forcing Penn State to scramble to keep their low-rated but über-athletic defensive tackle in the fold. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough in the end, as Mike eventually chose to pursue other opportunities. It does not sound as if he will consider Penn State as an option going forward.
— Michael DwumFour (@mike_dwumfour) January 25, 2016
At one point in time, Penn State's 2016 class was loaded up with defensive tackles. There was the giant, space-eating Christian Colón (scholarship offer was pulled by Penn State), the do-it-all Karamo Dioubate (de-committed recently), the pass-rushing Ellison Jordan and the wild card, Michael Dwumfour. Of the four, only Jordan remains. The coaching staff will likely look at add at least two more defensive tackle recruits, with depth at the position already depleted.
On the flip side, expect Dwumfour to end up in Ann Arbor. Along with his reportedly strong official visit, one of his childhood best friends, five star Rashan Gary, is expected to end up at Michigan.
As a reminder, Mike is a high school kid making the biggest decision of his life. He's allowed to change his mind about where he wants to go to college. Just because the recruiting system is broken, and basically requires kids to verbally commit (which means nothing) doesn't mean he deserves any flak. If you need help remembering how to respond to news like this, here's a handy guide.