Hawkins becomes commitment No. 23

Penn State added its second defensive tackle in the past few days, as Cincinnati native Aeneas Hawkins officially joined the Nittany Lions’ Class of 2018 Thursday morning.

A 6-foot-3, 260 pound four-star from Moeller High School, Hawkins is the son of former NFL defensive back Artrell Hawkins. Earning more than 40 scholarship offers since his sophomore season, Hawkins ultimately narrowed his list to Penn State, Alabama, Cincinnati, Ohio State and USC. When it came time to make a decision, he chose between the Nittany Lions and Bearcats.

“I’ve liked Penn State ever since I took that first visit there,” Hawkins said, during an interview on July 28 previewing his commitment. “They surprised me ever since I took that visit there last July. I didn’t think they’d become a school that I’d be this big on, but their coaching staff has done a phenomenal job recruiting me. The first time, it almost felt fake when it comes to how hands-on they are with all of their guys and how important it is for them to build a relationship. Since then, I’ve gone on to visit there a few more times and nothing has changed at all. They really do a great job at making you feel welcomed, making you feel like you’re family.

“Then, when you talk to the players there, they all say the same thing. I’ve gotten to know Antonio Shelton, who’s another Ohio guy. He’s talked to me a few times about how that relationship and that bond doesn’t change at all when you’re on campus. So, that’s important to me. Obviously, they’re a big-time football program, but I know they also really like what I can bring to their defense because I’m an athletic three-technique (defensive tackle). I think I fit their scheme really well, too, so there’s a lot to like. I didn’t even mention the excitement around their Class of 2018 right now. They’re one of the best in the country and that’s not going to change anytime soon.”

Hawkins earned an offer from the Nittany Lions back in July 2016. He took four unofficial visits to Penn State, the most recent of which was on July 15 for the Lasch Bash barbecue.

James Franklin and his staff have now earned four commitments along the defensive line, including two additional four-star defensive tackles in Owing Mills, Md., native PJ Mustipher and Tampa, Fla., native Judge Culpepper. The Lions also hold a commitment from four-star defensive end Dorian Hardy from Paramus, N.J. Hawkins is the 17th four-star to join Penn State's Class of 2018, which is the most the school has ever earned since the start of Rivals.com in 2002.

Currently, Hawkins is the 18th-ranked defensive tackle and ninth-ranked prospect in Ohio for the Class of 2018. Last fall, he totaled 65 tackles and 9.5 sacks playing in one of Ohio’s most competitive districts.