4-star athlete Liam Andrews commits to Penn State: 'When I think about Penn State, I think about tradition'

Brookline (Mass.) Dexter School four-star athlete Liam Andrews narrowed his list of top schools down to Penn State, South Carolina and Wisconsin on July 17. When he announced that news, Andrews had a pretty good idea on which of the three he would commit to.

It was the week before when Andrews says he really knew that while all three were high on his list, the only school he could really see himself playing at was Penn State. Andrews stuck with that decision as he announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions on Friday.

“In the end I chose Penn State because of the feeling I get when I step on campus,” Andrews told On3. “It just feels at home. The people there are exceptional and really care about you.

… I have great relationships with many of the staff members and even some players. Their scheme also fits my play-style very well. They move their d-tackles around a lot and have them play aggressive which is perfect for me.”

Prior to his pledge, Andrews had visited Happy Valley five times before. After each of those visits he left more and more impressed by what he was able to experience in-person.

Saying that the Nittany Lions have the best atmosphere, culture and environment in all of college football, Andrews was blown away each time by how in love the community in Happy Valley is with Penn State football.

Penn State’s rich history only helped the Nittany Lions in their pursuit of Andrews.

“When I think about Penn State I think about tradition,” said Andrews, the No. 61 player in the 2024 On300. “In their facility they honor their history and tradition which includes plenty of All-Americans, four Big Ten titles and two national titles. It’s time to add some new hardware to that list.”

Deion Barnes, James Franklin sold Andrews on Penn State

One of the biggest factors that led Andrews to commit to Penn State was the opportunity to play for James Franklin and Deion Barnes.

Andrews called Franklin one of the realest coaches he got to know during the process as well as one of the most consistent. Whether it’s on or off of the field, Andrews expects Franklin to be the same guy and expects to be consistently pushed every day.

He also expects to be pushed by the defensive line he grew the closest to throughout the process.

“Coach Deion is a big reason in my decision to commit to play for Penn State,” Andrews said. “He’s a younger coach but when you really look at his track record, there is nothing to say that he can’t or won’t be successful like some of the older and what many people would consider more “established” DL coaches. He has received coaching from a well respected DL coach in Larry Johnson and was pivotal in developing NFL players like second-rounder Arnold Ebiketie.

…I want to be the best defensive linemen Coach Deion has ever coached and am looking forward to him pushing me every day.”