Maine South’s Brendan Brosnan changes commitment to Penn State

Maine South senior Brendan Brosnan confirmed Tuesday his decision to follow James Franklin to Penn State.

According to 247Sports, which first reported the news Monday, the 6-foot-6, 275-pound offensive tackle became the third player to switch his allegiance from Vanderbilt to the Nittany Lions in the wake of Franklin’s career move.

“He had such great success at Vanderbilt,” said Brosnan, the CSL South’s offensive lineman of the year. “He changed that program. I have huge respect for Franklin and his staff. His passion and enthusiasm for the game is contagious, and he’s someone I look forward to playing football for over the next five or so years.”

In three seasons, Franklin turned the Commodores into a contender in the SEC, going 24-15 and earning three consecutive bowl bids, including this year’s 41-24 win over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl. For the first time in program history, Vanderbilt beat Florida, Georgia and Tennessee in the same season.

Brosnan said Franklin called him shortly after accepting the Penn State position Saturday and offered him a scholarship. After talking it over with his family, Brosnan committed to the Nittany Lions on Monday.

“It definitely moved quickly,” he said of the timetable. “It was confusing for a few days, whether he was going to stay or leave, but I think there was a general feeling he was going to leave.”

Brosnan said he considered Penn State’s sanctions, which include scholarship reductions and a postseason ban, but he said the pros outweighed the cons. The Nittany Lions went 7-5 in Bill O’Brien’s last season and 15-9 in his two seasons despite the penalties.

“I grew up in Big Ten territory watching them play, and I’m excited about the possibilities,” Brosnan said. “They have a chance to be good again under the guidance of Franklin.”