After a rough recruiting week, James Franklin has struck back.

Four-star defensive back Elliot Washington II announced his verbal commitment to Penn State football’s Class of 2023 Friday afternoon, becoming the fifth defensive back to join the class. Washington had originally been committed to Alabama since January 2022.

“After exploring all options throughout my recruitment process, I will be decommitting from the University of Alabama,” Washington wrote. “After further conversation with my family I will be committing to the Pennsylvania State University.”

He added that he was “1000% committed.”

Washington’s commitment comes just one day after the Nittany Lions lost four-star quarterback commit Marcus Stokes when he flipped to Florida. Additionally, Penn State lost out on two top recruiting targets — running back Treyaun Webb and athlete Cameron Seldon.

247Sports’ composite rankings list Washington as the country’s sixth-best safety and the No. 25 recruit in the state of Florida. Additionally, Washington is the second-highest rated defensive back commitment ever secured by James Franklin, behind only Lamont Wade in 2016.

It’s safe to say some momentum has been salvaged.

At Venice High School, Washington was an instrumental part of the team’s state championship victory. Washington totaled 58 tackles and four interceptions during the 2021 season. For a closer look at Washington, check out his Hudl highlight reel.

The Venice, Florida native’s decision marks yet another recruiting win for James Franklin in the southern region of the country. Washington is the region’s fifth recruit to join Penn State’s Class of 2023 and the third from Florida after Conrad Hussey and King Mack committed earlier this year.

Penn State’s Class of 2023 now reclaims the No. 5 spot in 247Sports’ national rankings after Tennessee recently jumped them. The Nittany Lions remain the second-highest ranked Big Ten team, behind only Ohio State.