Penn State is filling up its spots for linebackers in its 2013 recruiting class.
On the heels of the Nittany Lions getting a verbal commitment from Maryland LB Zach Bradshaw on Wednesday and landing New Jersey's Brandon Bell a couple of weeks ago, Zayd Issah, the reigning Class AAAA co-player of the year after leading Central Dauphin to the PIAA championship, announced on Friday he intends to play for Penn State, several internet sites reported this morning.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Issah was a two-way star for the Rams. On defense, he made 123 tackles and had 14 sacks.
Issah had a reported 15 scholarship offers, the biggest coming from Arizona State, Boston College, UConn, Iowa, Maryland, North Carolina State, Pitt, Purdue, Rutgers, Temple and Virginia.
Issah is the second Central Dauphin defender to commit to Penn State in five months. In February, Ram defensive end Evan Schwan wrapped up the Lions' 2012 recruiting class.
Penn State was visited unofficially on Thursday by the top linebacker prospect in the state, Wyomissing's Alex Anzalone. The Lions are vying with Notre Dame and Florida for his services. Penn State also is high on the list of Maryland prospect Marcus Newby, who reportedly is down to Penn State and Nebraska, and New Jersey's Al-Rasheed Benton, who is believed to be leaning heavily to Penn State but not ready to commit.
According to a quote from Bradshaw in the Gaithersburg Gazette, Penn State is looking to sign four linebackers in this class -- two inside and two outside. However, Bradshaw and Issah both offer the Lions flexibility in that they can play multiple positions.
Issah gives Penn State 14 commitments for the class of 2013. The Lions are expected to bring in around 23 recruits this season.
