South Allegheny's Jesse James Commits To Penn State

PHOTO: Scout.com

In the least unexpected news ever, South Allegheny tight end Jesse James committed to Penn State today, as reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. James measures in at 6'7", 245 pounds.

James received his verbal offer while visiting this weekend, and he recently told Tom Bradley of his intention to play for the Nittany Lions.

Some have said that James could play on the offensive line (he's listed as an OT by Scout.com), but he likely projects as a tight end. He caught 34 passes for 463 yards last year as a junior for South Allegheny. He joins Maryland's Brent Wilkerson as tight end commits in the Class of 2012, though Wilkerson is a TE/DE hybrid that might end up on the defensive side of the ball.

After visiting Penn State on Saturday, James headed home to take part in the Nike SPARQ Combine in Pittsburgh, where he placed 3rd overall. ESPNRISE's Associate Manager of Football Events Kynon Codrington had some good things to say about James after the Nike event:

Jesse James, OL/TE, South Allegheny (McKeesport, Pa.)

Towering 6-7.5, 243-pound tight end has tackle height and reach that college coaches crave. Registered a 4.88 40 with a 27.9 vert and ended with a 98.55 SPARQ. Made the 2010 all-class Century League team. James is one to keep an eye on based on his measurables and upside

Here is James' tape:


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