Mickens is the first commit of the Nittany Lions' recruiting class of 2026.
Keaton Ellis, Dominic DeLuca, Olu Fashanu, Malick Meiga, Adisa Isaac, and Theo Johnson were selected to lead the team.
The award honors the top Division I football player who was born in Texas, graduated from a Texas high school, played at a Texas-based junior college, or currently plays at a Texas Division I four-year college.
Chop Robinson, Jordan van den Berg, Olu Fashanu, Nick Singleton, Zane Durant, and Abdul Carter are among Bruce Feldman's freakiest freaks.
The award is given based on field performance and off-field character.
The award is given to college football's best defensive player.