Garrett Sickels, the consensus 4-star defensive end prospect from Little Silver, NJ, has sent his Letter of Intent to Penn State and is officially a Nittany Lion.  One of PSU’s early high end commits, Garrett became part of the key group, along with Adam Breneman, Brendan Mahon, and Christian Hackenberg that initially became integral parts of recruiting other players, and then keeping the class together after the sanctions were handed down. Garrett, an Under Armour All American, had over 20 offers from a “who’s who” of elite programs (Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Ohio State).

Garrett projects as a defensive end at PSU, but did show the ability to play as a stand-up rusher from the edge in a 3-4 type defense.  Given what we saw this past season from Ted Roof, and what we expect to see going forward form John Butler, I would virtually guarantee you will see Garrett lined up as a down lineman.

Looking ahed to 2013, there is not much depth behind Deion Barnes and Anthony Zettel, which should give Garrett a very good opportunity to play his way into the rotation.  Coach Johnson loves to rotate bodies in and out of the lineup, and if you have the ability, you will see the field.

Check out Garrett Sickels’ Highlights

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TE Adam Breneman, QB Chritian Hackenberg, DE Garrett Sickels,  OG Brendan Mahon, OT Andrew Nelson and WR Will Fuller made the trip to speak with the staff and each other about their commitments to Penn State.

Before today, Mahon, Sickels and Breneman, to an extent, had re-affirmed that they were still 100% committed, while the others wanted some answers before making that statement. I’ve been told that after meeting with O’Brien and discussing the future, all six players have decided that they are 100% committed.

And then they almost broke twitter.

Love this 2013 class. @AdamBreneman87 @BigBabyMahon @Will_Fuller7 @DorianJ64 @GarrettSickels @ANelson59

— Christian Hackenberg (@chackenberg1) July 28, 2012

-Christian Hackenberg

GREAT time at Penn State! Coach O’Brienmade me remember why I committed in the 1st place. I’m 100% committed to the greatest college.

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

-Will Fuller

100% committed to Penn State and Coach O’Brien. Love these guys. @chackenberg1 @BigBabyMahon @GarrettSickels @ANelson59 @Will_Fuller7

— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman87) July 28, 2012

-Adam Breneman

We are the 2013 class. @BigBabyMahon @chackenberg1 @AdamBreneman87 @Will_Fuller7 @ANelson59

— Garrett Sickels (@GarrettSickels) July 28, 2012

-Garrett Sickels

#RestoreTheRoar wouldn’t want to do it with anyone but these guys @BigBabyMahon @Will_Fuller7 @GarrettSickels @chackenberg1 @AdamBreneman87

— Andrew Nelson (@ANelson59) July 28, 2012

-Andrew Nelson

This is a special group of young men and, along with the leaders from the 2012 class who are set to start camp in a week, the future of Penn State football is bright.

And also very talented.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.