On3 4-star CB Jaziel Hart commits to Penn State: 'The place and the people fit me'

Roanoke (Va.) North Cross School cornerback Jaziel Hart has committed to Penn State. It started after his 8th grade year, when Hart camped at Penn State. He kept going back to earn that offer, which he did. Since the offer, Penn State’s staff has been consistent, real and honest with the On3 four-star and he is excited about his future in Happy Valley.

“Since last summer, when I was there for the Bar-b-que, I have felt Penn State could be the school,” Hart told On3. “On that visit, the coaches showed a different side and it really opened up our relationship. Their coaches always showed me that they wanted me there, that they wanted to coach me and that they wanted to teach me about life.

“The coaches at Penn State care for their players and I felt that. They made me feel like a top priority and their loyalty to me meant something.”

Hart is now ready to be loyal to them.

“This is it. I know where I want to be. This commitment is really me shutting my recruitment down unless something crazy happens. Penn State is where I want to be.

“I was there the day before the spring game and I knew my mind was made up then. It felt right and I knew there was no reason to hold it in. Penn State did everything correctly with me and the place and the people fit me.”

James Franklin, Terry Smith, Anthony Poindexter and Jordan Lucas all played a role in this decision. Nobody recruited the No. 7 prospect in Virginia like the Nittany Lions.

“They were on me so heavy,” Hart said. “Coach Smith is great and he can coach and develop players. Coach Piondexter is like an uncle to me. We can talk about life more than football and I like that. No coach recruited me harder than coach Lucas. He was a big one is my commitment. When I committed, it brought tears to his eyes.

“Coach Franklin wants to win, and he coaches hard, but his players come first. The team comes first to him and he mixes in winning very well. My connection with the coaching staff came from their loyalty to me.

“I have been there 8-10 times and I love the vibe. I know I have found the place for me.”

Hart will take his official visit to Penn State on May 30.