National Signing Day 2016: Brendan Ferns Picks West Virginia Over Penn State

West Virginia pulled off a major coup today when four-star linebacker Brendan Ferns chose the Mountaineers over the Penn State Nittany Lions. The 6'-3", 225-pound athlete from St. Clairsville, Ohio had Mountaineer nation on the edge of their seats over the last few months as West Virginia and Penn State engaged in a recruiting battle for Ferns' services, and no one knew exactly which way the four-star athlete was leaning.

Ferns was selected to play in the 2016 US Army All-American Bowl, and was a standout at St. Clairsville High School, where he was named a First Team USA Today All-USA Ohio Football player. During his Senior season, Brendan racked up 104 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 pass break ups, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 2 sacks.

Ferns is the younger brother of West Virginia tight-end/fullback Michael Ferns, a redshirt Sophomore. Brendan chose the Mountaineers over Penn State, and a host of other high level offers including Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan and Notre Dame. While at West Virginia University, Ferns will be majoring in Petroleum Engineering which played a huge role in his recruitment.