By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

June 15, 2009

The Nittany Lions have picked up commitment No. 8, and it comes from yet another top in-state prospect.

“I committed to Penn State,” York (Pa.) Central middle linebacker Kyle Baublitz said.  “I talked to Coach (Joe) Paterno this afternoon.  He was excited.  He has been looking at me a long time.”

Baublitz, a ESPNU 150 Watch List prospect, said he had known for some time he wanted to play for the Nittany Lions, but he had a special day in mind to actually make his commitment.

“I wanted to do it on my mom’s birthday,” Baublitz said. 

With a list of 20 scholarship offers including Penn State, Rutgers, Pitt, Northwestern, Illinois, West Virginia, Boston College, Virginia, Clemson, Florida State, Stanford, Wisconsin and Maryland, Baublitz had more than enough options.  He said his decision came down to Penn State, Pitt and Virginia.

“The atmosphere at Penn State is great,” Baublitz said.  “Coach (Larry) Johnson is amazing.  He is great with the players.  Penn State has a lot of positives.  I just feel comfortable there.” 

Baublitz has been a varsity starter at both middle linebacker and tight end since his freshman season at York (Pa.) Central.  However, the 6-foot-4 and 245-pounder will play defensive end for the Nittany Lions.

Baublitz was all over the field during his junior season.  He made 166 tackles including three sacks.  He also had close to 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Baublitz attended two Penn State games this past season.  He was in State College when the Nittany Lions played Michigan and Indiana.  He also attended this year’s Blue-White spring game.

The Nittany Lions now have eight verbal commitments including six from the state of Pennsylvania.