Word is that ATH/DB Shyquawn Pullium of Cathedral Prep, Erie (PA) gave his verbal to the Nittany Lions becoming the 19th member of the Class of 2011, and it’s one that we had been long awaiting, as his commitment was said to be a sure thing as soon as he got the Penn State offer. This announcement comes at a critical juncture when several former members of the same class have de-verbaled and/or recommitted elsewhere. With National Signing Day looming next Wednesday, Pullium’s verbal should help stem this disturbing tide of recruits recommitting to the Gators.  The lone uncommitted target left for Penn State is Georgia DT Mike Thornton, who will announce his decision next week.

Awarded 3 stars by recruiting service Rivals and 2 by Scout, Shyquawn Pullium won District 10 player of the year honors during his campaign in leading his team to the District Title.

Scout and Rivals have Shyquawn Pullium listed as an ATH and DB respectively, but Mike McQueary recruited the Erie athlete solely for the cornerback position.

Pullium had this to say about the Nittany Lions:

“It’s a great school academically, and the people there are great,” he said in a text message. “I think it’s just the best place for me.”

At 6-1, 178 lbs Shyquawn Pullium has a bit of work in terms of weight before he could see the starting spot. To put that in perspective, Justin King who was also relatively undersized for the position was 6-0 181 pounds. Justin King was able to overcome most of the wideouts he covered with his blazing 4.3 speed. Shyquan Pullium might fit a similar mold as he clocked in at a 4.31 in his 40 yard dash.

Pullium might have a year to get that weight up, as grade issues may have prevented Penn State from offering Pullium earlier.  Word is that he might have to spend a year at prep school before coming to Penn State, to get his grades up to the Penn State standard (hopefully, he’s more willing than Darrell Givens to do that).

Watch his ability to get to the corner as the QB at Cathedral Prep. On the offensive side of the ball Pullium accounted for 1,107 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air in addition to running for 1,507 yards and 22 TDs.

The #31 player overall in the Keystone State, he is joined by 8 other Pennsylvania recruits in committing to the Lions for the Class of 2011 further highlighting the porous hole the Wannystache has in that Pennsylvania wall he is allegedly building. And would you also know it, Pullium picked Joe Paterno and the Lions over a scholarship offer from Pittsburgh in addition to ones from Maryland, Cincinnati and Toledo. Welcome to the Penn State family Pullium!

For further coverage check out:

Linebacker-U Shyquawn Pullium Commits to PSU, The Goo Punch is flowing once again

Post-Gazette Penn State locks up DB recruit