Penn State Football: Is Loss of 4-Star CB the First of Many Recruiting Blows?

Following the Penn State sanctions, 4-star cornerback Ross Douglas withdrew his verbal commitment to the university. This warrants the question: Who's next?

Douglas is now entertaining offers from Ole Miss, Cincinatti, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, as reported by ESPN's Jared Shanker:

"

4-star cb Ross Douglas says #OleMiss #Pitt #Cincinnati #WVU offered today. Decommitted from #PennState this morning

— Jared Shanker (@JShankerESPN) July 23, 2012"

Since he decommitted, Penn State dropped down in ESPN's recruiting rankings two spots and are now No. 16. Unfortunately for Penn State enthusiasts, dropping out of the top 15 might be the least of your worries.

What should be on the mind is the effect that his withdrawal will have on his peers. While some commits have remained quiet, others have taken to social media and served a nice "no comment." Dorian Johnson, 4-star offensive tackle and No. 27 on ESPN's rankings, sent this tweet:

"

If you plan on calling me/texting me about this today...STILL NO COMMENT.

— Dorian Johnson(@DorianJ64) July 23, 2012"

Surprisingly, there are a few commits to stand up and announce they're not decommitting yet. One of the few 12 verbal commits, Neiko Robinson, told ESPN's Corey Long that he's still committed but that the sanctions were "hurtful."

So, can Penn State withstand this blow and keep the recruits they still have? As more time passes and these young high school kids seek council from more people, it's hard to believe that any advice they receive will be to stay with the school.

But then again, the recruits could feel the same way that the No. 1-ranked tight end in the nation, Adam Breneman, feels about it. Breneman told ESPN's Shanker before the sanctions were announced that he's "100 percent committed to Penn State."

So, what does the future provide for Penn State football and these 12 verbal recruits? Well, no one exactly knows. But you have to admit, it's hard to assume that the other commits will have the same attitude as Breneman.

Buckle down Penn State. As Anne Hathaway's Selina Kyle states in the blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises, "there's a storm coming."