2026 three-star ATH Jaziel Hart breaks down dedication to Penn State

Class of 2026 three-star athlete/defensive again Jaziel Hart introduced his dedication to Penn State on Thursday.

He pledged to the Nittany Lions over fellow finalists Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

Hart, who recently attends North Cross High School in Roanoke, Virginia, ranks because the No. 15 prospect within the state of Virginia and the No. 36 athlete within the 2026 cycle.

At the school degree, Hart will play underneath underneath head trainer James Franklin, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, affiliate head trainer/defensive recruiting coordinator/cornerbacks trainer Terry M. Smith, co-defensive coordinator/safeties trainer Anthony Poindexter and the remainder of the Penn State personnel.

The PSU personnel has made Hart really feel like a concern right through the period of his recruitment, and he believes Happy Valley is the correct position for him.

“I chose to commit to Penn State because of the loyalty of the coaches and how they show hospitality to me every single time I’m there and keep me as a priority,” Hart instructed Rivals.com. “They also take me as a person before a player, which I respect that very much, and the craziness that coach Franklin has and that I can also compete for national championships as a Nittany Lion (are all reasons why I committed).”

Hart has grown shut with Franklin, Smith, Poindexter graduate assistant Jordan ‘Dropp’ Lucas and others at the personnel. Penn State employed Knowles in past due January, and Hart’s courting with the defensive coordinator continues to be construction, however Hart sees himself as a very good are compatible in Knowles’ machine.

“My relationship with those coaches are great,” Hart famous. “I’m very close with Coach Smith, but also ‘Dropp’ Lucas. They have built a relationship with me through all the visits and have stayed close with me on and off the field, which I have taken in to mind. My relationship with Coach Knowles is just getting there, but it seems to be on a positive road and I see greatness out of it.”

Hart was once maximum not too long ago in Happy Valley in past due April. Poindexter additionally made a commute to Virginia to discuss with with Hart on May 7.

“My last visit (to Penn State) was on April 25, the day before the spring game, and I got to see the pregame before they hosted the blue and white spring game,” Hart stated.

He will take his legit discuss with to Penn State right through the weekend of May 30 via June 1. Hart plans to cancel all of his different legit visits.

In addition to the universities already discussed, Hart has won scholarship gives from Cincinnati, Duke, Indiana, Louisville, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, Virginia, West Virginia and others.

The 6-foot, 171-pound Hart performs all sides of the ball for North Cross as a cornerback and extensive receiver. Defensively, as a junior in 2024, he recorded over 50 tackles, 10 cross break-ups, 3 interceptions and two pick-sixes for the Raiders.

Hart is being recruited to play at the defensive facet of the ball for Penn State, however the Nittany Lions may use him in inventive tactics as they prefer his playmaking talent on offense as neatly.

“PSU is recruiting me as a cornerback, but as an overall player as well because they like how I can play both sides ball at a high, elite level,” Hart defined. “I will describe my game as a very high IQ player where I read a lot of things, but also play at a very fast speed.”

With Hart becoming a member of the fold, Penn State’s 2026 magnificence now contains 17 general commitments. The Nittany Lions recently rank 5th within the nationwide recruiting group ratings.

Hart seems to be ahead to changing into a Nittany Lion, and he’s assured that he’s going to to find good fortune underneath Franklin and the training personnel.

“What stands out the most to me about Penn State is their 1-0 culture that brings in success for them,” Hart stated. “Another thing is their father/son characteristics to their players and knowing how to coach each player differently.

“I’m going to be the face of this system in a pair years!”

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