STATE COLLEGE (AP) — Five-star defensive end Micah Parsons decided to sign with Penn State — after he had de-committed from the Nittany Lions earlier this year — to highlight a class of 21 signees that ranked among the best in the country.

Parsons, from Harrisburg, made his announcement early Wednesday, the first day of a new early signing period in college football.

He had been recruited by Penn State since he was a freshman in high school and gave a verbal commitment to the Nittany Lions, but decided to open it up in April.

He made official visits to Georgia and Penn State this month before finally making a decision. Parsons was a defensive end in high school, but Penn State coach James Franklin said the plan was to play the 235-pounder at linebacker.

Penn State also got a late addition to its class in receiver Jahan Dotson from Pennsylvania, who flipped from UCLA to the Nittany Lions. Penn State's class was ranked fourth in the nation, landing five-star players from New Jersey — receiver Justin Shorter — and Virginia — running back Ricky Slade.
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