Penn State Football: 2021 Commit Lonnie White Jr. Signs With Pittsburgh Pirates

Penn State football 2021 commitment Lonnie White Jr. — who signed his letter of intent but had yet to enroll on campus — is set to begin his professional baseball career and will not pursue a football career at Penn State after signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, the organization announced.

“Our football family is incredibly excited for you all & the Pittsburgh Pirates organization,” Penn State coach James Franklin said on social media. “Again, stay present, focus on the process & success shall be yours. Always know, we are here for you & still believe your best days in football are ahead.”

White’s decision was an ongoing narrative within Penn State’s 2021 freshman class following his selection by the Pirates with the No. 64 overall pick in the second competitive balance round of the 2021 MLB Draft on July 12. The pick is valued at $1,050,300, but the Pirates will pay White $1.5 million, according to the MLB Draft Tracker.

The news that White would sign with the Pirates was reported late on Sunday night before being announced on Monday evening by the organization.

Penn State will now welcome 16 incoming freshman at the start of camp in early August. Penn State’s 2022 class is ranked the second-best in the nation and is currently 22 players deep.