Penn State’s 2028 recruiting class is officially underway - and it’s starting with a bang. The Nittany Lions landed a commitment from one of Pennsylvania’s top young defensive backs, Deonte Flemings Jr., a 6-foot-3, 190-pound standout from Erie’s McDowell High School. Flemings made his pledge while on campus for a junior day visit, marking the first high school commitment under new head coach Matt Campbell.
It didn’t take long for things to heat up between Penn State and Flemings Jr. After receiving an offer on January 23, the sophomore quickly set his sights on State College, locking in a visit that led to Saturday’s commitment. The Nittany Lions beat out a competitive group of suitors - including Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and West Virginia - to secure the in-state talent.
What drew Flemings Jr. to Penn State? A big part of it was the vibe around the new staff - and the connection he felt with Campbell.
“First and foremost, I think the new coaching staff is ready to compete already and that’s one thing that I love,” Flemings said. “Coach Campbell is a very honest guy and family-oriented - that’s what it’s about to me and my family. I need somebody that’s going to be on me when my parents aren’t around and turn me into the best version of myself.”
That trust factor clearly played a major role. So did the relationships already in place. Cornerbacks coach Terry Smith and safeties coach Deon Broomfield were on the front lines of Penn State’s recruitment of Flemings Jr., with Smith in particular building a strong bond that dates back to Flemings’ freshman year.
“Talked to the head coach, coach Terry Smith, who’s one of the best DB coaches in the country, and the defensive coordinator,” Flemings said. “Great person overall, for sure. He will tell the truth about anything.”
That kind of transparency and mentorship is exactly what Flemings and his family were looking for.
On the field, Flemings Jr. is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign. He was the only player from District 10 named to the Pennsylvania Football News All-State team in Class 6A - earning second-team honors as a defensive athlete. His play helped lead McDowell to a subregional appearance in the PIAA 6A playoffs, and he’s quickly built a reputation as one of the premier young defensive backs in the state.
His commitment also carries some historical weight for Penn State. Flemings Jr. is the first McDowell product to commit to the Nittany Lions since offensive lineman Cooper Cousins, who signed with the 2024 class. Like Cousins, Flemings is jumping on board early and could emerge as a foundational piece and vocal leader for this next wave of Nittany Lions.
He’s also the first high school recruit to commit to Campbell and his staff outside of the 2026 cycle - a significant milestone as the new regime begins to build its identity in Happy Valley.
Campbell, who took over in December, has made it clear that development - not just recruiting hype - is going to be the program’s calling card.
“Nobody will be better at developing their student-athletes and our high school football players than us,” Campbell said during his introductory press conference. “We’ve proven that every step of the way. I think you can ask Brock Purdy, Breece Hall, David Montgomery, and Will McDonald.”
Campbell’s message is simple: stars are great for headlines, but wins come from growth, accountability, and player development. That’s the blueprint he’s bringing to Penn State - and Flemings Jr. is the first building block.
The Nittany Lions are off and running in the 2028 class.