Marks decides to call Penn State home

Penn State landed its first in-state recruit in the 2007 class pulling in Catawissa (Pa.) Southern Columbia offensive guard Josh Marks. The Rivals100 prospect picked the Nittany Lions over offers from Pittsburgh, Rutgers, West Virginia and Temple.

"There were a lot of reasons I picked Penn State," he said. "I went there last weekend for a visit and it just felt like home to me. I got to stay with the players and I couldn't imagine myself going anywhere else, I also couldn't find anything wrong with them."

What in particular stood out about Penn State to Marks?

"I really love the tradition they have there and the recent recruiting classes they've gotten the past few years," he said. "Besides that, the fan following, coaches, campus and surroundings are all really nice.

"I also like coach McQueary a lot. He recruited me right from the beginning and was in touch with me throughout the process. I like the fact he is a real honest and straight forward guy that tells you how it is."

Now with a decision behind him, the 6-foot-5, 300-pounder can focus on his senior year.

"I know my decision is early, but I found my home and didn't want to drag it out. Getting this decision out of the way is definitely a sigh of relief for me," he said. "Now I'm excited with the opportunity to be able to concentrate on my senior year and trying to help Southern Columbia to another championship. I also know I obviously have to work on my speed and footwork in preparation for collegiate football."

Although he certainly has the frame to play offensive tackle in college, the Penn State coaching staff is looking for Marks to fill in as an offensive guard.

"I'm fine playing either position for them," he stated. "The coaches have already told me about playing time too. They said that most of their offensive linemen redshirt their first year, but then said it comes down to how bad I want it after that."

Growing up the Keystone State prospect was a fan of rival Michigan, but he is ready to make Penn State his new home.

"I grew up a fan of Michigan, but once the recruiting process started I got real close with Penn State's coaches and now I'm a big Penn State fan," he said. "I'm excited to call Penn State my home for the next five year and I am ready to move on. I can't wait to play in front of the best fans in the nation."

Marks is looking to attend the Penn State summer camp in June.