Penn State bags eighth commit for 2012

Penn State has received its eighth oral commitment for its recruiting Class of 2012 with the addition of J.J. Denman, a 6-foot-7, 305-pound offensive tackle from Pennsbury High School in Bucks County.

Denman is rated as a four-star prospect by recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Scout rates him No. 18 among offensive tackles in the nation.

Denman reportedly also was offered by Pittsburgh, Michigan, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Miami (Fla.).

Of Penn State's first eight commitments for 2012, three are offensive linemen. Last week, the Nittany Lions heard from guard Brian Gaia, a 6-5, 285-pounder from Baltimore.

Denman is the second Philadelphia-area player to commit to Penn State. The other is Jamil Pollard, a 6-5, 280-pound defensive tackle from West Deptford High.

Other commitments received by the Nittany Lions for 2012 have come from offensive tackle Anthony Stanko of Warren, Ohio; linebacker Camren Williams of West Roxbury, Mass.; defensive end Brent Wilkerson of Hyattsville, Md.; tight end Jesse James of McKeesport, Pa.; and defensive tackle Jarren Jones of Rochester, N.Y.

--Joe Juliano