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Penn State welcomes freshman running back Jabree Coleman to campus

Fitz headshot croppedby:Sean Fitz•06/23/25•

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Imhotep running back Jabree Wallace-Coleman. (Credit: Ryan Snyder | Blue White Illustrated)

Nearly every member of Penn State’s Class of 2025 is now on campus, with the latest addition arriving within the last week. Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Charter running back Jabree Coleman had a late graduation date at his school, but he’s now in Happy Valley and was officially added to the roster on Monday. BWI reported in the Lions Den over the weekend that Coleman made it to campus. 

The 6-foot, 209-pound back will wear No. 21 for the Nittany Lions. The former four-star committed to Penn State last summer after backing off an early pledge to Georgia. In the end, Coleman also took an official visit to North Carolina before picking the Nittany Lions. 

He’s the fifth Imhotep graduate on the Penn State roster, joining wide receiver Tyseer Denmark, linebacker Keon Wylie, cornerback Kenny Woseley and defensive end Enai White, who transferred to Penn State from Texas A&M this offseason. Imhotep went 15-0 won the PIAA Class 5A title during Coleman’s junior season in 2023. In his four years, Imhotep finished with a 46-7 record.

Coleman eclipsed 1,000 yards three times in high school

Coleman was a four-year letterman and a two-time team captain for the Panthers, winning four Philadelphia Public City League titles along the way. He ran for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, adding 13 catches for 122 yards and another score. As a junior, Coleman put up 1,610 rushing yards and scored 28 times on the ground. His first 1,000-yard season came as a sophomore, when he ran for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns. 

He’ll join a deep and talented room at Penn State that also added Aliquippa (Pa.) standout Tikey Hayes to the group back in January. The Nittany Lions now have seven scholarship running backs on the roster. Coleman profiles as a traditional Big Ten back. 

“I think he’s an every-down back,” Imhotep running backs coach Michael Gandy said of Coleman. “He blocks well and set the tone for us in that state championship game, at least offensively, with a great block on the first play of the game to lead through for our quarterback at the time, Mikal Davis. He also catches the ball well out of the backfield. I think he also has great vision and is patient. 

“I also believe that, later on in the year, as it gets colder, he becomes even more important because he runs well between the tackles. He keeps a low pad level and it allows us to control the game. You saw that in the same championship game. I believe he carried the ball 28 times. That was big for us.”

One of 14 four-stars in Penn State’s Class of 2025

A four-star prospect by three of four services, Coleman was the No. 339 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 according to the On3 Industry rankings. He checked in as the No. 24 running back nationally and the No. 7 prospect in Pennsylvania. On3 had him as a four-star outside the On300 rankings, the No. 33 running back and the No. 10 prospect in Pennsylvania. 

The Nittany Lions are still waiting for reclassified defensive lineman Daniel Jennings to complete their move-in of the Class of 2025. Jennings is expected later this summer after finishing up his high school academic requirements.

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