The priority for Shawn Oakman was to get it over with and enjoy his senior year at Penn Wood. It's why Oakman visited Penn State in March, and took an official visit to Pittsburgh in early June, and then stopped in at Temple.
But it came down to comfort, and what coaching staff could propel the 6-8, 250-pound senior-to-be to even higher heights. And it's why Oakman committed to Penn State Thursday night, choosing the Nittany Lions over Pittsburgh and Temple.
Oakman, one of the top players in the area, finished with 17 sacks in 11 games his junior year at Penn Wood, and is also a standout basketball player.
Oakman told Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson and assistant coach Ron Vanderlinden of his decision Thursday night, and plans on making it official with Penn State in February.
"I couldn't be happier," said Oakman, who plans on wearing No. 91 at State College. "It came down to what I thought what college should be and also what college coach was going to push from being good to being great. I think Coach Johnson and Coach Vanderlinden can do that. That's why I choose Penn State."
