By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

July 21, 2009

Under Armour All-American linebacker/defensive end Dakota Royer from Manheim (Pa.) Central has scheduled a press conference to announce his college choice.

“I’m committing on July 30,” Royer said.  “I’m going to have a press conference at my high school at 12 noon.  It will be in the lobby at my school.  I wanted to have it done by the end of the month and that date worked out at the school.”

The 6-foot-3 and 220-pound Royer has been a starter since the beginning of his sophomore season, when he had 11 sacks.  Royer made 86 tackles, including 11 sacks, during his junior season and also caught 56 passes for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns.

Earlier this summer, Royer narrowed his list of over two dozen scholarship offers down to five schools, Penn State, Pitt, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Oregon.  Of the five, the only one he has not visited is Oregon.

“It’s still the same five,” Royer said.  “I’ll talk to all of the schools in my top five again before I announce so they can tell me any last minute things they want me to know.” 

Royer said he will not be visiting any of the schools again before he announces his college choice.  He visited Penn State two weeks ago, the last visit he has made.

Kurelic’s Comment:  Everything continues to point towards Royer announcing a commitment to Penn State.  Tight end Kevin Haplea from Annandale (N.J.) North Hunterdon may also be on the verge of committing to Penn State.  These would be two more huge ‘gets’ for the Nittany Lions.