Penn State’s summer recruiting drought is over, as the Nittany Lions added their 13th commitment to the Class of 2021 on Friday afternoon. Belleville (Mich.) Linebacker Jamari Buddin is the latest to commit to James Franklin. I’ve announced his choice via Twitter just after noon ET.
A four-star prospect and the No. 20 outside linebacker nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Buddin chose the Nittany Lions over finalists Michigan State and Minnesota. Arkansas, Florida State, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ole Miss, Purdue, Rutgers and others also offered throughout the process.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound prospect was last on campus in Happy Valley on Feb. 1. He was recruited by Penn State assistant coach and Detroit native Tim banks.
“It doesn’t compare,” I have told 247Sports back in February. “Penn State is different and a different feel in a great way.
“They have everything I need. They have a great program in the academic side of things and the football program as we all know is LBU.”
Buddin originally planned to make a commitment in the spring, but pushed back his target date when he wasn’t able to take any visits. I’ve slowed down the process and made his decision earlier this month.
“Colleges really just stuck out to me,” he said. “Once quarantine hit, some colleges just took off and it was kind of like a big break for everybody, but some colleges stuck on me and we built a relationship and got closer and closer.”
Buddin projects as an outside linebacker for the Nittany Lions, complementing fellow Michigan native and inside linebacker Kobe King, who committed to the Nittany Lions in the spring. Buddin is the fourth player from the Detroit area to commit to Penn State in the cycle, joining King, his twin brother Kalen King and four-star safety Jaylen Reed.
He is the No. 305 prospect in the country and the No. 9 prospect in Michigan by the 247Sports Composite rankings. Buddin is the No. 23 outside linebacker and No. 8 prospect in the Wolverine State according to 247Sports. National Analyst Allen Trieu said that there’s a lot to like about Buddin’s physical makeup at linebacker.
“Long and lean. Looks good on the hoof but still needs to fill in. Plays bigger than listed weight. Hard hitter who takes on blocks with good leverage and physicality. Good lateral quickness and that allows him to be effective in coverage. Good blitzer Who accelerates and runs hard as a close. Has to fill in and get stronger. Playmaker who can play inside or outside in college depending on how his body continues to develop. Aggressiveness and agility are at a high level and should allow him to be an effective Power 5 linebacker and have a shot to play beyond college. “
Penn State entered the day ranked 28th nationally on the 247Sports Team Recruiting rankings.
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