Kevin Newsome makes a decision

Rivals250 quarterback Kevin Newsome made his decision earlier this evening. The four-star prospect who attended Chatham (Va.) Hargrave Military this fall before returning home to Churchland High School decided between Boston College, Penn State and Virginia Tech.

"I have decided to commit to Penn State," he told onlookers, friends and family at a press conference in Hampton Roads. "I prayed about my decision and it was a gut feeling.

"I love Virginia Tech and wish them the best of luck, but it really came down a lot to early playing time, getting ready early. I love playing football and nobody wants to sit the bench. I can take a year off and learn from Daryll Clark and then be ready when my name is called."

Newsome informed both coaching staffs of his choice this morning.

"I told Penn State this morning and Virginia Tech," he said. "I talked to Coach Kenney at Penn State and he was excited. He was ready to bring a playbook down and get me in some pads. I also told Virginia Tech. It was a tough thing to do because Virginia Tech is a great school."

Obviously playing time was a factor for the No. 7 prospect in Virginia. What else went into his choice?

"Oh man, I went there and loved the campus and game atmosphere," he said. "All the guys were showing me love, appreciated me being there. I felt at home like the team was a big family. I like the education up there, the business school is great. It was a real tough decision. I've always loved Virginia Tech since I was a kid, it was tough.

"I really like Daryll Clark too. I saw a bit of him in me. He's very intelligent and I want to learn from him. I can't wait to get up there in January and start learning from him. He is a great person and a beast. Watching him in practice, his technique is great, he's fast and loose and is a great man to learn from."

Did anything else stick out about Penn State?

"Oh man, they have a lot of legacy there," he said. "They have great football and a great fan base. Everything about it is nice. I look forward to getting there.

"I really like the coaches too. They are great coaches. It starts with Bill Kenney, but Coach Jay Paterno and Joe Paterno are great coaches and very intelligent. They know everything about the game. There is nothing JoePa doesn't know. He told me on my visit I needed to learn to roar like a lion and this is a blessing.

"Coach Newsome, Stinespring and Beamer from Virginia Tech were great too. I appreciate them recruiting me."

A lot has transpired in the past two weeks as Newsome appeared to be leaning towards Virginia Tech and then Penn State. Was it like that?

"No, I never had a No. 1," he stated. "I had two schools I was going to choose between and we weighed the pros and cons and prayed about it. Penn State ended up on top."

The No. 4 dual-threat prospect has a chance to jump in and be the backup quarterback next year.

"With quarterback Pat Devlin transferred this gave me an opportunity to come in for the backup quarterback position," he said. "I can get better, faster, stronger and smarter while learning from Daryll Clark and be ready to take the stage my sophomore year. The coaches have no plans to redshirt me this year."

Newsome added some final thoughts.

"I'm excited and I thank God for everything he did, I think my family and everybody that supports me."

Newsome plans to enroll at Penn State approximately January 10th after appearing in the Army All-American Bowl on January 3rd.