Castro-Fields Becomes Final Piece in 2017 Class

Penn State finished off its Class of 2017 in style Wednesday, adding four-star CB Tariq Castro-Fields.

Throughout the fall, the 6-foot-2, 173 pound cornerback emerged as one of the staff’s top remaining targets, as Penn State was hoping to add a defensive back with his size and athleticism before the end of the 2017 cycle. His decision was supposed to come about a week ago, on Jan. 23, but he ultimately decided to think everything over for another week before making his commitment official earlier today.

"Coach Franklin was telling me how I could get the best of both worlds, academics and big time football with them winning the Big Ten Championship and going to the Rose Bowl," Castro-Fields said, following his official visit. "He was telling me I can get both and not go too far from home.”

Castro-Fields, who attends Riverdale Baptist in Upper Marlboro, Md., earned more than 20 scholarship offers, but he ultimately narrowed his list to Alabama, Maryland and Penn State. In the final weeks, his recruitment turned into a battle between the two Big Ten East programs, but Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Wisconsin all pursued him at different points throughout the process.

This past season, Castro-Fields didn't allow a single completion throughout 11 games. He also earned All-Met honors by the Washington Post.

With his commitment, Penn State finishes its Class of 2017 with 10 four-star commitments and one five-star. Castro-Fields is the fifth defensive back to join the class.