Make that commit No. 13 for James Franklin and the Penn State football program.

Franklin and his staff were able to lure three-star defensive tackle Christian Colon (Independence/Charlotte, NC) away from in-state schools Charlotte and UNC today, as the behemoth defensive tackle gave his verbal commitment to Penn State.

@RivalsFriedman @NCPreps @CarolinaXposure @ShrineBowlNCSC @MClarkScout @247recruiting pic.twitter.com/sMp47FhrBm

— Chris Colón (@BIGGL0_704) June 25, 2015

Colon gives the Nittany Lions a substantial upgrade in the run defense category, as the 6-foot-3, 309 pound monster will surely provide a boost for the Lions in the middle, eating up space and allowing fellow linemates to take advantage of one-on-one blocks. Colon joins fellow defensive linemen Michael Dwumfour — who announced his commitment to Penn State on Tuesday — and highly touted end Shane Simmons in Happy Valley, where all three could serve integral roles down the road for defensive coordinator Bob Shoop.

James Franklin has developed a knack for luring away top out-of-state talent from their respective in-state powers, while increasing the influence of Penn State’s brand along the East Coast. Thanks to that influence, Franklin and his staff have assembled a future defensive line consisting of three players from three different states — Maryland, New Jersey, and now, North Carolina.

Colon should be a valuable asset to Sean Spencer — the man who so avidly recruited him — as he looks to re-assemble Penn State’s dominant defensive line once Anthony Zettel and Austin Johnson graduate. Penn State may have just found its anchor in the trenches.