4-star safety Dejuan Lane commits to Penn State Nittany Lions

Baltimore (Md.) Gilman four-star safety Dejuan Lane has committed to the Penn State Nittany Lions. He chose Penn State over Georgia, Maryland, Michigan and Notre Dame.

The 6-foot-2.5, 200-pounder is the No. 304 overall prospect and No. 32 safety in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 9 player in Maryland.

Lane took his first trip to Happy Valley last November and returned to campus on June 2 for an official visit.

“He projects as a traditional tweener,” BWI’s Sean Fitz wrote in February. “Some see him as a big safety while others project outside linebacker in his future. Nature will have a big say in where Lane ends up at the next level. He’s certainly fast enough to hang in the back four, though. Lane clocked a 10.98-second 100-meter time at his state finals last spring and he’s a glider out there on the field.

“Gilman uses Lane all over the field. He shows good ball skills as a safety but he’s at his best in a rover position similar to what Penn State calls its Sam. While his tackling skills could use some polish, he’s not afraid to close fast and hit. The biggest question with Lane is how will he grow once he gets into a college strength and nutrition program.”

For more Penn State recruiting intel, check out BWI.

Lane is the third player to commit to the Nittany Lions today. The others are Columbia (Md.) Wilde Lake three-star EDGE Xavier Gilliam and Jacksonville (Fla.) Andrew Jackson three-star offensive tackle Deryc Plazz.

“I committed because I know this is home. Immediately after stepping on campus, I felt this was home,” Plazz told Ryan Snyder of BlueWhiteIllustrated. “I felt welcomed and loved. The scenery is totally different from what I’m used to, which is amazing. The players truly care about each other and push each other to be great while also holding each other accountable. Penn State won me over because everything is complete. It’s the perfect mix of academics and high-level football, which is exactly what I was looking for.”

“Penn State is definitely an amazing university and I really got to experience that over the weekend,” Gilliam also told Snyder. “They’ve always been very consistent and showing interest in me ever since they offered. They’ve shown me a bunch of love. When I got on campus for my official then, it was crazy. Everyone knew my name, even people I never met before. Stuff like that always makes you feel good. But I’ve been up to Penn State three times and my parents have never been there before, so just seeing them connect with Coach (James) Franklin and Coach Deion (Barnes), it was just amazing.”