Which Penn State Class of 2023 signee was announced first during early signing day on Wednesday?
The Penn State football program is celebrating the early national signing day on Wednesday. Which Nittany Lion was announced first in the Class of 2023?
It’s Mega “Mathias” Barnwell. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound is rated as a four-star athlete by the On3 Consensus rankings. The Lions announced him as a tight end, though, which was the position he played when he first committed to Penn State back on June 8, 2020. However, he backed away from that pledge on Jan. 20, 2021, only to re-pick head coach James Franklin’s program on Sept. 25, 2021. He could play defensive line at the next level. But, he also has the skills and size to play along the offensive line. Barnwell figures to grow out of the tight end spot, however.
“Very unusual the way you and your family really did this,” Penn State coach James Franklin said during a National Signing Day show produced by GoPSUSports. “Typically when a young man decommits, and you probably committed too early, it doesn’t happen often that you recommit.
“But, you and your family have been awesome the entire time. Watching you grow has been awesome. I can not be more excited about you not only joining our program as an athlete but also as a representative of this community. You’re going to be here in a couple of weeks.”
Former Penn State standout and current Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki announced Barnwell as an official Nittany Lion.
More on Barnwell and Penn State
Four-star Virginia offensive lineman Alex Birchmeier is the longest-tenured Penn State commit. However, Barnwell has been connected to the Lions for years. And, now he’s officially a Nittany Lion
“It’s only right that you go first, because you’ve been committed to us since your freshman year,” safeties coach and lead recruit Anthony Poindexter said. “We’re so proud.”
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Added tight ends coach Ty Howle:
“I’m so proud to have you as part of the family. It’s going to be a great time at Penn State. I can’t wait until you get to work up here.”
Barnwell is the No. 380 player in the On3 Consensus player rankings for the Class of 2023. He is the No. 14 athlete and No. 8 player in the state of Virginia.
“For our team, Mega was always a big play waiting to happen,” Riverbend coach Nathan Yates said in a news release.
“Our players fed off of that. His energy was very contagious.”
Barnwell will enroll at Penn State early. He arrives in 16 days for the start of the spring semester.
