Jacobs adds name to '18 class

Size is no longer a concern when it comes to Penn State’s 2018 recruiting class.

Tolu Jacobs announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions via Twitter on Friday. Jacobs, a 7-foot, 280-pound center out of Capital Christian School in California, gives coach Patrick Chambers his third three-star commitment of the 2018 class.

It was the family feeling, which was discussed by a number of Nittany Lions at media day recently, that sold Jacobs on Penn State.

“I connected with everybody,” he said. “They all accepted me, as a person, not a basketball player.”

After just recently taking up basketball, Jacobs said Penn State’s willingness to connect with him and acknowledge how his game has developed over time helped make his choice easier.

Jacobs played his AAU ball with Team Lillard in 2017, and is a rim protector by nature.

“That’s what I do for a living,” Jacobs said. “I play defense. I block shots. I just protect the rim. Nobody’s coming in, nobody’s going out.”

With Julian Moore due to graduate after this season, Jacobs is set to join a big man core of Mike Watkins, Satchel Pierce, John Harrar and Trent Buttrick upon his arrival.

The Nittany Lions have been able to develop a pair of successful shot blockers under Pat Chambers.

Jordan Dickerson, another 7-footer, is third all-time on Penn State’s blocks leaderboard, and Mike Watkins was second in the Big With 2.7 blocks per game a season ago.

Chambers has expressed his desire to improve on the defensive end of the floor this season. That, along with Penn State’s track record with developing big men, was a difference maker for Jacobs in his decision.

“It makes me feel better,” Jacobs said. “It’s one of the reasons I thought about [Penn State].

“Most programs that win, win with defense. It’s not about the skills. With defense, you can do a lot of things.”