Four-star safety Dakaari Nelson felt like family with Penn State
Selma (Ala.) four-star safety Dakaari Nelson watched as the Penn State coaching staff watched over his three younger sisters.
“I got three little sisters and I know they run around a lot,” Nelson told On3. “They helped look after them a lot. I know they needed a lot of stuff. They put a lot of attention into them and made sure they got what they wanted and made sure everyone got what they needed.”
There was a ‘family bond’ with Penn State. Nelson didn’t want to pass on joining the Penn State family long-term. He is now a Nittany Lion. Nelson announced his commitment on Saturday.
Nelson is Penn State’s 15th commitment in the class of 2023. He is the No. 261 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus rankings.
Nelson’s decision was made up two Sundays ago at the end of his official visit watching his three sisters amongst the Penn State coaching staff. Coincidently, Nelson has coveted a place that treated his family well since the start of his recruitment.
“The day we left from up there, I was thinking about it (committing),” Nelson said. “I gave it a little bit more time to think about it for the last two weeks. I talked to my parents about it.”
Penn State head coach James Franklin was a key piece of the puzzle in Nelson landing with the Nittany Lions. Franklin’s candid nature was a winning factor with the longtime head coach.
“It was how straightforward he is,” Nelson said. “He’s not going to beat around the bush and make it sound good. He tells you what you need to hear and exactly what they offer.”
Dakaari Nelson high on 2023 class
Penn State’s recruiting class for 2023 sits in the top 10 at the moment. Prior to Nelson’s commitment, the Nittany Lions were the No. 8 overall team in the 2023 Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings.
Nelson feels that could continue to climb.
“It’s going to be one of the top five class if not the number one class,” Nelson said. “By the time it’s all said and done, we’re going to be at the top of the charts.”