5-Star OL Dorian Johnson Commits to Penn State

June was already looking to be a good month for Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien, but it got a little better last night with another class of 2013 commitment.

Offensive lineman Dorian Johnson verbally committed to Penn State yesterday, giving the Nittany Lions their twelfth verbal for next year’s class. The news was first reported by Lions 247. In terms of major recruiting services, the 6-6 280 pound prospect from Belle Vernon Area High School is currently rated with 5 stars by 247 and 4 stars for both Scout and Rivals. Rivals has Johnson rated as the 233rd best player in the nation while 247 has him 12th. Different rankings aside, this is a huge get for the Nittany Lions.

Johnson had offers from powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Pittsburgh. Pitt was considered to be the favorite for a while since Johnson only lives approximately 35 miles from the school. O’Brien and his staff were able to change that.

Most recruiting sites had Penn State currently ranked as the 13th best class in the nation for 2013. If O’Brien can land a few more recruits like this, they should be able to finish with a top ten class next February.

Donovan Smith is expected to start this fall as a redshirt freshman. Johnson and Brendan Mahon are on the way.

Christian Hackenberg can sleep soundly knowing he will be protected.