Penn State Football: 2013 recruits reiterate commitment to PSU

Several key recruits to Penn State’s 2013 recruiting class have reiterated their commitment to the program following a mass visit to campus this weekend.

One of those key pieces to coach Bill O’Brien’s prized class is Christian Hackenberg, the nation’s top pocket-passing quarterback according to ESPN’s 150. Other’s to pledge their commitment include Adam Breneman, Brendan Mahon, Garrett Sickels, William Fuller and Andrew Nelson.

100% committed to Penn State and Coach O’Brien. Love these guys. @chackenberg1 @bigbabymahon @garrettsickels @anelson59 @will_fuller7

— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman81) July 28, 2012

The recruits made the visit to campus following Monday’s announcement of severe sanctions for the program handed down from the NCAA. They wanted to meet with O’Brien and the coaching staff to figure out whether Penn State was still the right fit for them.

“We all remained publically committed to Penn State, but we all had a lot of questions. I had a lot of questions that needed answered, and [my family and I] were definitely thinking, ‘Is this the best thing for me?’” said Breneman, one of the nation’s top tight ends and Rivals four-star recruit.

After meeting with O’Brien one-on-one, the recruits sat down with their families -with no coaching staff -and made the decision whether or not they’d play at Happy Valley, together.

“We just looked at each other and just said, ‘You know, we believe in this guy and his commitment to the program. … We have a chance to [accomplish] something bigger than ourselves, bigger than bowl games, bigger than just a football program.’” said Breneman.

Led by Breneman, the five recruits joined O’Brien in his office to tell him the good news that they’d all be staying with the school.

“I’m so proud of my fellow recruits. We’re going to stick together, remain committed and restore the roar.” said offensive lineman Andrew Nelson.

Members of Penn State’s 2013 class, courtesy of one of their own, @Will_Fuller7

Other recruits took to twitter to share their feelings:

Love this 2013 class. @adambreneman87 @bigbabymahon @will_fuller7 @dorianj64 @garrettsickels @anelson59

— Christian Hackenberg (@chackenberg1) July 28, 2012

A Bowl game? I got 108,000 behind me. Not worried about a bowl game.

— 4a Mvp (@Will_Fuller7) July 28, 2012

Just made the most important decision staying the course staying true to my commitment #pennstate

— Brendan Mahon (@BigBabyMahon) July 28, 2012

With six members of his 2013 class on board, O’Brien will turn his attention to the other half of his class, who all remain with the school at the moment. Those include linebackers Brandon Bell, Zayd Issah and Zach Bradshaw, defensive end Curtis Cothran, offensive lineman Dorian Johnson and defensive back Neiko Robinson.

*There are no new updates in the status of running back Silas Redd, who is visiting USC this weekend.