Miles Sanders was Penn State’s first commitment in the Class of 2016 and, when all is said and done, may be the most highly rated.

Sanders is one of the most highly rated players in the country, and according to all four of the major recruiting services, is a top 100 player. He is unanimously ranked as a top-ten running back in the country, and two websites have him ranked as the No. 1 back in the nation. His commitment adds to Penn State’s loaded backfield going forward that includes Akeel Lynch, freshman phenomenon Saquon Barkley, and another highly-recruited back who has yet to see the field, Andre Robinson. With any luck, Penn State will earn the commitment of 2017 five-star back D’Andre Swift, and Penn State could become known as “Running Back University.”

The Pittsburgh back (Woodland Hills High School) is a perfect combination of power and speed. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 200 pounds, Sanders is one of the country’s most complete backs. His elusiveness is evident in his ridiculous highlight tape, evading defenders with spin moves and jukes as well as breakaway speed. He puts up incredible statistics in the very competitive Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) and has his Wolverines at 6-0 so far this season.

Sanders is regarded as the second best player in the state, after fellow Penn State verbal Michal Menet. His commitment to Penn State was vital in James Franklin’s plan to “Dominate the State” and even more important in establishing the strength of the 2016 class. Sanders’ commitment kicked off Franklin’s 2016 cycle on July 19, 2014, and because of his high ranking and strong national reputation, the class was only able to grow from there. Less than two weeks later, Shane Simmons, whom I wrote about last week, ended his recruitment, and helped Sanders begin to build an amazing Class of 2016.

Penn State has a superstar in the making in Miles Sanders and fans everywhere should be excited to watch him play in the near future.