Ohio prospect verbally commits to Penn State

Seven months before next year's National Signing Day, the Penn State football team has received a verbal commitment from one of Ohio's most highly touted prospects.

Sean McHugh, a 6-foot-6-inch, 240-pound senior from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, verbally committed Saturday to come to Happy Valley, according to McHugh. Penn State coaches and associates are barred by NCAA rules from discussing McHugh's status until he formally signs a letter of intent.

"I felt really comfortable at Penn State," McHugh said. "I just knew that was the school for me."

McHugh chose the Nittany Lions over Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. All four schools had offered scholarships, according to Sean's father, Kevin.

"I liked the school, the coaches," McHugh said. "I thought I would have a good time there."

McHugh is considered by numerous recruiting magazines, including The Ohio Football Recruiting News, to be one of the top five prospects in the state this season.

McHugh starts at fullback and middle linebacker for the Tigers, but was being recruited as an "athlete" who could play defensive end, outside linebacker, tight end, or fullback in college. He rushed for 1320 yards as a sophomore and 1450 last season as a junior.

McHugh has garnered numerous awards throughout his career. Last season for the Tigers, he was named to the All-Ohio Division IV, All-Chagrin Valley Conference, Geauga County All-Star, and News Herald All-Star teams. In addition, he holds the school's record for career touchdowns with 48.

-- by John Giblin