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Jonathan Holland and Adam McLean, also played major roles in his decision. "They didn't push me, but they under- stood the whole process and they told me they wanted to play with me, too," Simmons said. "I just thought about the friends and the family [atmosphere] going into Penn State and how much better it will feel [at- tending a school] that felt like home." Another factor that makes Simmons ap- pealing to recruiters is that he's not strictly a defensive end. DeMatha head coach Elijah Brooks noted that the 6-foot-3, 224-pounder has the athleticism to play outside linebacker, which is a key position for a Nittany Lion squad that is still coping with the NCAA's scholarship restrictions. Brooks said Simmons is reminiscent of Cameron Wake, a DeMatha and Penn State alumnus who is now an All-Pro with the Miami Dolphins. "Their size, their speed, their athleticism – it's all very similar," Brooks said. "The sky's the limit for Shane. He has all the tools to be the best player he can possibly be." Sanders, meanwhile, is the nation's 42nd- ranked prospect overall and second-ranked running back according to Rivals. He com- mitted on July 19 while on campus for an uno;cial visit. "Every school that I've been to, besides Penn State, basically just says the same thing," Sanders said. "When I go up to Penn State, it's just different. I feel like I have a great connection with their coach- es, and the fan base is amazing. Plus, it's my home-state school." Sanders, who earned eight verbal o:ers, including o:ers from Michigan, Michigan State, Pitt and Virginia Tech, was always expected to be a four-star prospect, but his stock skyrocketed recently a

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