Chris Godwin Commits to Penn State: What 4-Star WR Brings to Nittany Lions

Chris Godwin, a 4-star wide receiver who is the best football recruit from the state of Delaware, according to 247Sports Composite), has committed to play for Bill O'Brien and Penn State as part of PSU's 2014 recruiting class.

Godwin is a major commitment for Penn State. He checks in at 6'1'', 193 pounds and runs a 4.48 40-yard dash,  according to 247Sports, and is ranked as the No. 36 wide receiver in the country, according to 247Sports Composite. At a position that is populated by some of the most talented recruits in the country, being a Top 40 receiver recruit is an honor, so there's a lot to look forward to in regard to Godwin's potential career with the Nittany Lions.

Keeping him committed is the next step. But for now, there's reason to celebrate if you're a Penn State fan.

Josh Moyer of ESPN.com reports on Godwin's decision to commit:

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Penn State landed its sixth commitment of the 2014 class on Tuesday night when Chris Godwin (Middletown, Del./Middletown) told the staff he wanted to become a Nittany Lion. He said just last week that he planned on taking his time—even though he knew PSU's offer wouldn't remain on the table forever—but said late Tuesday he was pleased with his decision. 

"I think I realized it was a great situation for me all over," Godwin said. "And, from there, it didn't seem like I was rushing into it because I knew what I wanted." 

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Godwin is the third wide receiver to commit to O'Brien's 2014 class, as he joins 3-star Troy Apke and 4-star receiver/athlete De'Andre Thompkins.

Godwin has good size and great speed, so he'll be a natural vertical threat. He has long strides and does a great job of getting separations on his routes. He breaks the cushion of a defender and has an assortment of moves, generally involving footwork, that helps him get open. That said, he's also fast and tall enough to  take off vertically and beat a cornerback over the top.

He has good hands, solid concentration and is athletic enough to make a play on a tough ball thrown either too high or off target. Godwin should also be a major red-zone threat as a wide receiver. He has good body control, and his length will make him dangerous in the back corners of the end zone. 

Godwin reminds me of a tight end in a wide receiver's body who has wide receiver speed, so he has immense potential.

Finally, he can be an option as a kickoff or punt returner. But that role should eventually go to Thompkins, who has tremendous ability as a return man. It's good to have Godwin as an option, though.

Either way, Penn State has picked up a player with the potential to be a big-time playmaker at the college level, and the future of the Nittany Lions' passing game continues to look bright.