Kicker Sam Ficken verbals to Penn State

(Photo: Thomas Quinn/NWI Times)

Valparaiso (Ind.) placekicker Sam Ficken jumped on Penn State's scholarship offer yesterday, verbally committing to the Nittany Lions within hours of getting the call from Mike McQueary.

Ficken visited Penn State for the Michigan game last year, and came away impressed by the fans and the atmosphere.


Looking at the roster for next year, he will have to battle redshirt sophomore kicker David Soldner. Soldner connected on his only attempt last season, an extra point against Youngstown State.

As for Anthony Fera, who came to Penn State originally as a kicker, it's increasingly likely that he will remain the full-time punter and kickoff specialist. His accuracy has been somewhat of an issue, but he does have one hell of a leg.

In other recruiting news...

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is today, 1 p.m. on NBC. Penn State has only one recruit in the game, Owings Mills (MD) lineman Donovan Smith. The Nittany Lions have a great shot at landing Smith. But we shall see today, as he plans to announce his decision at the game. So check it out if you can, or stay tuned here at LBU for word if he commits to PSU.

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