BREAKING: Penn State football loses 2024 offensive line commit

The positive news has been flowing in for Penn State football on the recruiting trail in recent weeks. A series of late spring and early summer commitments propelled the Nittany Lions to have one of the top classes nationally in the next recruiting cycle. However, James Franklin and Penn State got a taste of sour news Thursday afternoon, as 2024 offensive line commit Deryc Plazz announced he was decommitting from the program.

2024 offensive line commit Deryc Plaza decommits from Penn State football

Deryc Plazz is a three-star offensive line prospect out of Jacksonville, Florida. The 265-pound prospect is a top 150 recruit in the Sunshine State and a top 75 offensive tackle in the 2024 cycle. In a somewhat unexpected move, Plazz committed to Penn State after visiting Happy Valley on June 4.

Plazz spoke highly of the Nittany Lions in the two weeks following his commitment. The prospect recently told Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, “The current class is amazing, and it’s truly a blessing to be a part of something this special.” Plazz added that he was “Looking to load this class up and bring a Natty to Happy Valley.”

But now, Deryc Plazz has decided to back away from his original commitment. “I want to express my deepest gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity you extended to me to be a part of your family. It meant the world to me,” Plaza wrote in a message posted on his Twitter. “However, upon reflection, I have come to realize that I rushed into this decision without giving it the careful consideration it deserves. Choosing the right path for my future and my family is of utmost importance, and I feel it is necessary to take a step back at this time.”

#LongLiveRock77💚 pic.twitter.com/EqOMkqjOEn

— Deryc Plazz (@DerycPlazz) June 15, 2023

However, Plazz was still highly complimentary of Penn State in his message. “I want to emphasize that this decision is not a reflection of any shortcomings on your part,” he wrote of the Nittany Lions. “Your program is outstanding, and the support and belief you have shown in me have been truly remarkable. I sincerely appreciate your understanding and want you to know that this was a difficult choice to make. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment caused by my change of plans. I wish you continued success both on and off the field.”

It is still yet to be seen how Penn State will factor into Plazz’s recruitment moving forward. Despite the decommitment, the Nittany Lions are still coming off a massive start to the month on the recruiting trail. On the same day they landed Plazz, the Nittany Lions also earned commitments from defensive end Xavier Gilliam and safety/linebacker Dejuan Lane. With several weeks left before the summer dead period, there is still time for James Franklin and Penn State to make up for this loss.

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