Hippenhammer Commits to PSU

Penn State picked up its eighth verbal commitment in a little more than three weeks, as wide receiver Mac Hippenhammer made his decision official on Saturday.

A three-star from Fort Wayne, Ind., Hippenhammer became one of Penn State’s top receiver targets in June, following an excellent performance at the Bowling Green satellite camp.

"I really liked them a lot because they really believed in me and went after me hard," Hippenahmmer said, when asked why he picked Penn State. "When they offered me it was big leap of faith for them because I didn't have a lot of Big Ten offers."

He went on to add, "Everything fits me perfectly. The offense they play in - there's a good opportunity to play there early. Not that I picked the school just because of early playing time. I have the skill set to play inside and outside.

"I really like Coach Gattis and he was a big part of it. He is never fake and is always going to shoot you straight."

Hippenhammer also visited Penn State for the Lasch Bash barbecue in July. That visit played a pivotal role.

"It was everything I expected and even more," Hippenhammer said. "It blew me and my family away. Just to see the place for the first time was great and to hang around the guys for the first time was good. That was my favorite part of it, being with them. I connected well with them."

Hippenhammer earned 16 total scholarship offers. Before making his decision, he narrowed his list five schools: Penn State Duke, Iowa, Michigan State and Wake Forest. He also took unofficial visits to Iowa and Wake Forest in July.

"It is a lot off my shoulders and I can really focus on my team more. I don't have to worry about going through all that during my season and it's just a big relief knowing that I picked the right place. I'm not second guessing it or anything; I feel good about it."