STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Penn State's busy recruiting weekend kicked off on a big way Friday afternoon when James Franklin and staff secured a new verbal pledge.
Three-star defensive lineman Judge Culpepper, who hails from Tampa, Fla., picked Penn State over other suitors, including Nebraska and Florida. Culpepper, whose father Brad played in the NFL for nine years, is the 15th member of the Lions' 2018 class. At 6-5, 256 pounds, he is ranked as the No. 18 defensive end in this recruiting cycle, per the 247Sports composite.
Proud to announce that I am an official commit to the Penn State Nitttany Lions! #weare pic.twitter.com/nixrfm5Csh
— Judge Culpepper (@JudgeCulpepper) July 14, 2017
While picking up a verbal pledge is always a plus for the Lions, this weekend is a key one for recruiting as many prospect and their families will be in town for Friday night's camp and then Saturday afternoon's Lasch Bash BBQ. The annual event, which features many of the Lions' top priority prospects, including verbal pledges and uncommitted prospects, is one of the team's top recruiting tools.
Getting players and their families together, while also spending time with the staff in a laid-back environment could yield another pledge or two for Penn State. Culpepper is the second pledge in this cycle from Florida, joining cornerback Jordan Miner.
With the addition of Culpepper the Lions' 2018 class is ranked No. 3 in the nation per 247Sports. This week wide receiver Justin Shorter was elevated to a five-star prospect in the most updated recruiting rankings.