Four-star Penn State football running back commit Messiah Mickens was named Pennsylvania’s Gatorade Player of the Year on Friday.

Mickens, who committed to Penn State in August 2023, had a stellar junior season at Harrisburg High School. On the season, he rushed for 1,214 yards on 155 carries with a staggering 21 touchdowns on the ground, according to his MaxPreps profile. He also collected 235 yards and a pair of scores in the receiving game.

Mickens not only ran through defenses under the Friday night lights, but he also terrorized opposing offenses. Mickens had an astonishing 39 tackles for loss as well as 16.5 sacks and 81 total tackles when he’s lined up on defense. In addition, he has defended two passes and notched a fumble recovery.

In Pennsylvania, Mickens is ranked sixth in sacks, 89th in rushing yards, and 43rd in total touchdowns. He is ranked as the fourth highest-rated prospect in Pennsylvania, ninth highest-rated running back prospect nationally, and 106th highest-rated overall prospect nationally on the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Mickens isn’t the first Penn State commit to win the honor — Nick Singleton also took home the honor in 2021.

Mickens is now in the running for the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award, and he’s expected to join the Nittany Lions ahead of the 2026 season.