Penn State added a key piece to its 2017 recruiting class Monday with the verbal commitment of four-star linebacker Ellis Brooks.

COMMITTED On to the next chapter!! #WeAre #PSU ?? pic.twitter.com/OqytmCTId8

— Ellis Brooks (@EllisBrooks35) January 30, 2017

Brooks, who hails from Richmond, Va., is considered the nation’s 13th-ranked inside linebacker, according to the 247Sports Composite. He was a two-time state champion at Benedictine College Prep (2014-15). The Under Armour All-American initially committed to Duke last March, but opened things up in May before taking official visits to Maryland, Northwestern, LSU, Oregon, and Penn State.

Landing Brooks became priority No. 1 for Brent Pry immediately following four-star Dylan Rivers’ flip to Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound Brooks is the third linebacker to pick the Nittany Lions this cycle, joining early enrollee Brelin Faison-Walden and Brailyn Franklin.

With National Signing Day just around on the corner on Wednesday, Penn State’s coaching staff is putting the final touches on the nation’s No. 15 recruiting haul, which is now up to 19 members.

You can check out Brooks’ Hudl highlight reel right here.

Welcome to Happy Valley, Ellis!

About the Author

Ethan Kasales

Ethan’s a senior journalism major who grew up in Lemont, a few minutes from campus. When he’s not covering Penn State sports, you can usually find him golfing or teaching snowboarding at Tussey Mountain. Feel free to email him at ethan@onwardstate.com.

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”