Farrell picks Penn State

Looks like Penn State's 2008 recruiting class is filling up quick. Not much room left. This one is actually a nice pickup.

Penn State Lands Another
Sean Fitz
BlueWhiteIllustrated.com Recruiting Analyst

Pittsburgh (Pa.) Shady Side Academy offensive lineman Mike Farrell took a final official visit this past weekend, but it wasn't enough to sway him from his first choice. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound two-star prospect picked in-state Penn State over Miami (Ohio) on Monday evening.

Farrell becomes the 14th member of the Penn State class of 2008.
"I committed to Penn State last night," said Farrell. "I really wanted to see Miami of Ohio before I made the decision, and I told the Penn State coaches that after I visited in December. I took the visit, I really liked it, and it was a really hard decision, but I just had to get down to business and find what was best for me, and that was Penn State."

Farrell was recruited by the Nittany Lions by defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, whom he broke the news to last night.

"I talked to Coach Bradley on the phone last night," he said. "I called Miami and let them know this morning. He said that he was excited. They're going to redshirt me and get me bigger in the weight room. I'll start up in July when summer session starts."

He becomes the 14th member of the Penn State class of 2008, and the second player to verbally commit to the Nittany Lions this week. A.J. Price gave his oral pledge on Sunday.

Farrell noted that being from the Keystone State was a big reason that he chose the Nittany Lions. He grew up a Penn State fan.

"I really just think, being from Pennsylvania was part of it," he said. "Being closer, and having the opportunity to play in the Big Ten for Penn State."

Farrell was a PIAA Class AA first team all state selection in 2007, as he helped lead the Indians to a 9-2 record before being bounced by Terrelle Pryor and Jeannette in the WPIAL playoffs. He was also named second team all-state by the Pennsylvania Football News.