Highly rated QB from Cincinnati chooses Penn State

After picking up 16 commitments in the 2016 class, the Nittany Lions have added their first 2017 recruit, four-star quarterback Sean Clifford.

He announced his decision Monday on Twitter: "Blessed and excited that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at Penn State University!"

The 6-foot-2, 203-pound quarterback from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati also received offers from Michigan State, Kentucky, Louisville, and Missouri. Clifford received a four-star rating from 247 Sports and Rivals.com.

Highly rated quarterback Jake Zembiec of Rochester, N.Y., has committed to the Lions' 2016 class.

Jay Paterno's job search. Court documents revealed that former Penn State quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno asked Ohio State coach Urban Meyer about job openings on his coaching staff.

On Dec. 23, the son of coach Joe Paterno wrote in a handwritten letter to Meyer, "My father had tremendous respect for you and I share that respect as well. It would be an honor to be a part of your staff.

"I would bring a diverse set of experiences on and off the field that would be an asset to your program. My career has included success in recruiting, coaching as well as leadership in social media and public relations."

He sent similar letters to West Virginia coach Dana Holgorson and Georgia coach Mark Richt, according to the documents, which were filed in the Paterno family's suit against the NCAA.

Paterno, who lost his job at Penn State during the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal, could not be reached for comment Monday night.

He and former offensive line coach Bill Kenney are suing Penn State in federal court, alleging that their terminations gave them "pariah status" and made it difficult for them to find employment.