Penn State has been top of mind for Jaziel Hart ever since the summer after his eighth-grade year.
He took a visit to a football camp in Happy Valley and became immediately interested. Then at another camp in June 2024, Hart picked up an offer from James Franklin and the Nittany Lions.
It seemed almost a matter of time before he committed to Penn State, and on Thursday, he did.
Hart told Chad Simmons of On3 that he’s known Penn State was going to be his choice for a while now.
“I was there the day before the spring game, and I knew my mind was made up then,” he said. “It felt right and I knew there was no reason to hold it in. Penn State did everything correctly with me, and the place and the people fit me.”
Ultimately, it was a group effort for Hart. Not only was Franklin talking to him, but cornerbacks coach Terry Smith, safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter and defensive grad assistant Jordan Lucas all played a part in recruiting him.
“They were on me so heavy,” Hart explained. “Coach Smith is great and he can coach and develop players. Coach Poindexter is like an uncle to me. We can talk about life more than football and I like that. No coach recruited me harder than Coach Lucas. He was a big one is my commitment. When I committed, it brought tears to his eyes.”
Happy Valley became a happy place for Hart, and the Nittany Lions are undoubtedly happy their effort on the recruiting trail paid off with him.
A three-star from Roanoke, Virginia, Hart is ranked as the No. 44 cornerback in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Virginia Tech were also in the running for his commitment.
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