Daniel Joseph Commits to Penn State: Nittany Lions Land 4-Star Defender

Penn State continues to make its push to return to among the nation's elite via the recruiting route, as James Franklin has landed another top-notch defensive prospect for 2016 in Daniel Joseph.

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I'm proud to announce that I am officially committing to penn state university. #WeAre ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/uSfM2yNndK

— Daniel Joseph (@_DanielJoseph_) June 30, 2015"

247Sports rates Joseph, from Lake Forest, Illinois, as the No. 263 player in the 2016 recruiting class. It considers the 6'3", 240-pound edge-rusher to be the nation's 14th-best strong-side defensive end and the fifth-best player in Illinois for 2016.

Penn State was one of 19 teams to offer Joseph, with Michigan and Michigan State considered the main competition for his services. According to Greg Pickel of PennLive.com, Joseph's commitment was a surprise because he's never made a visit to Penn State, but a strong enough connection existed between him and Franklin to make that a moot point.

Joseph fits into a recent recruiting trend that Franklin has taken on to grab so-called "slash" players, according to PennLive.com's Dustin Hockensmith:

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Joseph is an impressive athlete with a 6'3", 240-pound frame and the skill set to make an impact against the run and the pass. He's also athletic enough to play tight end...with good straight-line speed and the ability to high-point the ball as a receiver. Versatility is a constant theme in the way Penn State recruits, and Joseph is no exception. He's athletic and explosive enough to make an impact at defensive end at the next level, but could grow into a disruptive force inside.

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He is Penn State's 15th commitment for the 2016 class and sixth in just over a month, starting with 4-star offensive tackle Michael Menet in late May. The most recent commits include three other defensive linemen: tackles Christian Colon, Michael Dwumfour and Ellison Jordan, giving the Nittany Lions five defensive line commits to replenish a unit that ranked third in rushing defense in 2014.

Penn State is currently sixth in 247Sports' composite ranking of 2016 recruiting classes.

Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.