Who will replace Bo Nickal when he graduates? New PSU wrestling commit provides solid option

Penn State’s top-rated 2018 recruiting class got stronger Thursday night as Cadet World champ Aaron Brooks made a verbal commitment to wrestle for the Nittany Lions.

“Extremely excited and blessed to continue my academic and athletic career at Pennsylvania State University! Thanks to all the people who helped me get to this point in my life,” he tweeted.

Brooks, of North Hagerstown, Md., is ranked as the No. 1 pound for pound wrestler at 182 pounds by FloWrestling, and No. 13 overall.

He’s projected to wrestle at 174 or 184 pounds in college and could be a strong option to replace junior Bo Nickal after his graduation in 2019.

The high school senior was in the area in December when he competed unattached in the Lock Haven Classic — a tournament for college wrestlers — and came away with the title.

Adding to Brooks’ accolades are three Maryland state championships, three National High School Coaches Association national championships and three USA Wrestling titles at Fargo, N.D.

Brooks’ commitment fills in the hole left by Travis Wittlake, ranked No. 1 at 170, after he flipped his commitment to Oklahoma State in November.

Although he isn’t expected to join the Nittany Lions until the 2019-20 season, as he’s announced plans to spend next year working out at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, his commitment helps reinforce Penn State’s position as having the top recruiting class for 2018.

He joins fellow highly rated commits Gavin Teasdale, Roman Bravo-Young, Brody Teske, Joe Lee, Michael Beard and Seth Nevills.

This story was originally published February 2, 2018 at 12:52 PM with the headline "Who will replace Bo Nickal when he graduates? New PSU wrestling commit provides solid option."