It came down to Michigan and Penn State for Grant Newsome but in the end, after recent visits to Ann Arbor and Happy Valley, the offensive tackle from Lawrenceville (N.J.) Lawrenceville Prep chose the Wolverines.

"I had no idea where I wanted to go coming into those," said the 6-foot-7, 280-pound Newsome. "I was kind of leaning towards Michigan before the visits but after seeing Penn State I could have really seen myself going there and I still can. I think after those two visits I kind of realized that Michigan was the place for me academically, athletically and socially. That's why I committed this morning."

Newsome's recent experience in Ann Arbor played a big part in his commitment.

"I got to see everything there, the full package," he said. "I met with the training staff, the strength staff, the academic staff and obviously the coaching staff as well as a few players. So I got the full experience. The things I think really push it over the edge was the academic staff and the impact program that helps athletes after graduation. It was really impressive and unique. It wasn't something my mom and I had seen anywhere else."

The future at Michigan for Newsome seems to be bright but he knows he'll have to work for it.

"I think I will fit in pretty well," Newsome said. "I obviously have a long way to go. I need to get stronger, quicker and faster so I can prepare myself for the next level but I think I fit in pretty well. I can play wherever they want me to play. I could see myself becoming their left tackle but I realize I have to earn my way to that spot."

The next priority for Newsome is to help bring in more talented players.

"I feel like building a class you are proud of is something all the commits are trying to build," he said. "I think an important thing to me and to the other guys are in this class is trying to get out and get some guys like Chris Clark and try to bring them into this class and eventually fill up this class with guys we are proud to compete with."

The Nittany Lions were a very serious candidate for Newsome until the very end.

"There was really nothing about Penn State I didn't like," said Newsome. "Michigan just ended up being a little bit better fit for me. I have nothing but love for their coaching staff and everyone there."

Newsome is currently ranked as the No. 199 in the Rivals250.