Call it a family tradition. Penn State has acquired another Hackenberg, only this time for a sport more widely known around the world. Brandon Hackenberg has officially verbally committed to the Nittany Lions to play soccer. The new commit looks to continue his impressive play as he progresses through his upcoming senior year of high school.

Standing at 6’1″ 175, Brandon is a tall, strong center back who currently plays for Richmond United U18 team. Already being scouted by the U.S Soccer Development Academy, Hackenberg is sure to help fortify Penn State’s roster once he gets to Happy Valley.

The Penn State men’s soccer team is coming off a solid 2014 season where they finished 13-6-1. However, a loss in the first round of the Big Ten tournament and second round of the NCAA tournament brought a disappointing end to the season, so look for the Nittany Lions to bounce back this fall. With a strong soccer program and an outstanding family tradition, Brandon Hackenberg made the right decision verbally committing to Penn State.