Penn State kept its recruiting momentum going on Monday by securing a commitment from 2026 four-star wide receiver Davion Brown, a versatile player who has been likened to an NFL All-Pro.
Brown, the fourth commitment for Penn State this month, is a standout at Trinity Episcopal Academy in Richmond, Virginia.
On Tuesday morning, we spoke with Trinity’s coach, Sam Mickens, who praised Brown and highlighted the potential impact of the 6-foot-3, 185-pound athlete at Penn State.
“He reminds me of Deebo Samuel,” Mickens stated. “He’s a strong player who can line up as a running back, in the slot, or outside. Not only is he fast, but he’s also very agile, quickly transitioning from zero to full speed. He has a natural running back mentality once he has the ball. He thrives on contact and can power through it.”
“I believe Penn State will really appreciate him. I’m originally from New Jersey and have lived in Pennsylvania, so I’m familiar with Penn State football. He will integrate well with their culture of toughness, resilience, and work ethic. They’ll certainly enjoy having him.”
If Brown performs like Samuel, the highly productive NFL player known for his unique role with the San Francisco 49ers, Penn State’s creative offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will be excited about his arrival on campus.
Brown marks the 17th addition to Penn State’s strong 2026 recruiting class, which is currently ranked No. 4 nationally behind USC, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, according to 247 Sports.
He is the fourth recruit to commit since May began, joining lineman Alex Haskell from St. Joseph’s Prep, linebacker Terry Wiggins from Coatesville, and linebacker Mathieu Lamah from Patriot (Virginia).
Additionally, Brown is the third wide receiver in this class, alongside standout Lavar Keys from DeMatha (Maryland) and Jahseiar Rogers from Appoquinimink (Delaware).
This past offseason, the Nittany Lions brought in three experienced wide receivers through the transfer portal to create targets for quarterback Drew Allar for the 2025 season. However, they prefer to build their roster through high school commitments, making the signing of 2026 receivers Keys, Rogers, and now Brown an important step for the future of the position.
Brown’s choice to commit was greatly influenced by Penn State’s coaching staff, who stood out among offers from prominent programs like Georgia, Michigan, and Tennessee. Mickens noted that receivers coach Marques Hagans and safeties coach Anthony Poindexter, both former Virginia staff members, played pivotal roles in his decision.
“It was Coach Franklin and his approach that really stood out. Plus, the strong Virginia presence on the staff with Dex and Coach Hagans played a big role,” Mickens said. “They were legendary recruiters during their time at UVA and have a great connection in the 804 area. They felt at ease when they visited, and they made everything feel comfortable for him while he was there.”
“Props to Penn State for coming in and bringing on some excellent talent from the 804.”
It certainly seems like Penn State has gained a valuable asset in Brown as well.
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