Penn State loses four-star defensive lineman Tomarrion Parker
Penn State’s Class of 2023 is back down to 17 commitments Tuesday, as Alabama defensive lineman Tomarrion Parker has decided to open up his recruitment. One of the nation’s top defensive ends, Parker committed to Penn State on June 21, which was a few days after he took an official visit to State College.
At the time, his commitment was a surprise. Most expected Penn State to be a serious contender, but schools like Florida, Michigan State and Tennessee were considered ahead of the Lions. Parker actually admitted that himself in the beginning of June.
On3’s Chad Simmons broke the news. He wrote that Parker, “felt he wasn’t 100 percent sure of his commitment at this point, and wants to take more time with his recruiting process after rushing into an early commitment.”
Simmons added, “The Nittany Lions are not completely ruled out, but it looks increasingly likely that he will stay closer to home in the Southeast.”
Penn State came into the day ranked 10th overall nationally in the On3 Consensus Team Rankings, and that hasn’t changed. However, PSU is barely ranked ahead of 11th-ranked USC now with 91.232 points compared to USC’s 91.229.
The Nittany Lions still hold one five-star commitment and 12 four-star players in its Class of 2023. Penn State is the second-ranked team in the Big Ten, with Ohio State ranking fourth overall nationally. Michigan State is third in the Big Ten, sitting at No. 17 nationally.
Tomarrion Parker Scouting Summary
“Productive player as a junior for state champion runner-ups in Alabama’s highest classification. The definition of an active player. Totaled 23 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks as a junior. Consistently chases backside and is constantly in pursuit of the football. Polished pass rusher as well that has extremely active hands and understands how to use leverage to his advantage. Registers as a good, but not elite athlete in the combine setting and looks to lack high-end length at the position. One of the highest floors in the class due to being so technically sound and refined as both a run defender and pass rusher.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
