Don’t let James Franklin get hot.

Winston Yates, an athlete in the Class of 2023, announced his verbal commitment to Penn State via his Twitter account Tuesday evening. Yates will join the team as a preferred walk-on run-on.

“Officially a Nittany Lion,” Yates wrote. “First and foremost I want thank God. I would also like to thank my family and coaches for all their support.”

OFFICIALLY A NITTANY LION First and foremost I want thank God. I would also like to thank my family and coaches for all their support. I’m very honored #WEARE pic.twitter.com/A98RWZoLdQ

— Winston Yates (@WinstonYates_) November 30, 2022

Yates recently visited Happy Valley for Penn State’s home matchup with Maryland. Shortly after the visit, Yates received his preferred run-on offer.

For Paul VI High School in New Jersey, Yates plays both defensive back and wide receiver. As a wide receiver, Yates earned first-team All-Conference honors, but his Twitter bio indicates he’ll join the Nittany Lions as a linebacker.

Yates clocks in at 6’3″ and 195 pounds. For your first look at him on the field, check out Yates’ Hudl highlight reel.

With Yates’ announcement, the Nittany Lions have successfully secured four preferred run-on commitments in November alone – Yates, offensive lineman Liam Powers, defensive end Joey Palko, and athlete Bobby Mears. As a linebacker, Yates will join a wide-open group that only currently holds a commitment from four-star recruit Tony Rojas.