Penn State wrestling added one of the nation’s top prospects to its class of 2021 Monday night.
Shayne Van Ness, the second-best pound-for-pound wrestler in the nation according to FloWrestling, announced his commitment to Cael Sanderson’s program via Twitter.
The New Jersey native also shared an electric commitment video Monday night which included several highlights from his career thus far at Blair Academy. Van Ness chose the Nittany Lions over Cornell, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Michigan, among others.
Thank you to all of those who have supported me throughout my life. I would not be who and where I am today without everything that you all have done for me. I’m extremely proud to announce my commitment and I’m looking forward to the years ahead. https://t.co/vgfTukAKiD pic.twitter.com/cnTaiaWuFM
— Shayne Van Ness (@shayne_finesse) September 7, 2020
Van Ness is also considered the top-ranked wrestler in the country at 138 pounds. Some of his top achievement’s include winning the Who’s No. 1 title at 131 pounds in Iowa City last season, and a National Prep championship this past February.
The future Penn Stater has dominated New Jersey’s high school wrestling scene over the past few seasons, but he won’t carry on his father’s legacy in his home state. His dad, Rodney, was a dominant wrestler at Rutgers and ranks third all-time on the program’s career wins list.
Van Ness joins an already-strong 2021 recruiting class at Penn State. This past February, the Nittany Lions earned a commitment from Alex Facundo, who is considered one of the best 170-pound wrestlers in the class.
