Update, 5:30 p.m.: James Franklin issued a brief statement Monday afternoon to show support for Lonnie White Jr.’s choice to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“Our football family is incredibly excited for you all and the Pittsburgh Pirates organization,” he said. “Again, stay present, focus on the process, and success shall be yours. Always know we are here for you and still believe your best days in football are ahead!”

#WeAre pic.twitter.com/uYsZWh4OtR

— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) July 26, 2021

Original Story: Penn State football has lost one commit in its recruiting class of 2021.

Former Malvern Prep star Lonnie White Jr. will forgo his college football career in Happy Valley and sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to a report Sunday night by Joseph Santoliquito of PhillyVoice.com. White was selected by Pittsburgh as the No. 64 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft earlier this month.

According to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, White’s contract with Pittsburgh is worth $1.5 million.

Source: Lonnie White Jr. gets $1.5 million. Slotted value for that pick was $1,050,300.

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 26, 2021

While he was also dominant on the football field in Malvern, White hit .395 with five home runs and 25 RBIs as a senior outfielder for the baseball team this past spring. The 6’2″, 210-pound athlete was ranked at No. 72 on MLB.com’s Top 250 Draft Prospects list.

As for his football abilities, White racked up 21 total offers from programs around the country. He committed to James Franklin’s program over Michigan and Michigan State, among others, in May 2020. White spent time at wide receiver, safety, and even quarterback over the course of his career at Malvern Prep. As a senior last fall, he totaled 463 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns in just four games played.

James Franklin and Penn State football congratulated White when he was selected by Pittsburgh this month.