What started as a slow 2011 recruiting class continues to pick up steam as today Penn State picked up its 15th verbal commitment of the recruiting season from Philadelphia defensive end Deion Barnes.
↵Rivals.com rates Barnes a four-star prospect, No. 6 at his position nationwide and No. 2 in Pennsylvania. ESPN.com grades him a three-star with a scout's grade of 78. Scout.com also ranks Barnes a three-star and has the following to say about him.
↵↵↵Barnes is very athletic and raw. He needs to learn more technique and moves instead of trying to rely on athleticism and speed to get him past would be blockers. He is long and rangy, but once he gets into a good conditioning and strength program the sky is the limit for him. He is very good in pursuit, needs to take better pursuit angles instead of trying to run everyone down.
↵
Barnes had offers from schools including Pitt, West Virginia, Michigan and Georgia before his commitment. He now joins Anthony Zettel, Shawn Oakman and Jordan Kerner among Penn State's defensive line recruits for this class.
↵For more on Barnes, check out Black Shoe Diaries.
↵