Four-Star Cornerback Daryus Dixson Signs With the Nittany Lions

© Dan Rainville/USA TODAY NETWORK

Penn State has landed four-star cornerback Daryus Dixson, a highly sought-after recruit from historic football powerhouse Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA. Penn State announced the commitment on social media.

Dixson picked Penn State over Alabama, Tennessee, USC, Washington and others. He was scheduled to visit Tennessee on June 14 but committed to Penn State after visiting State College on June 8. He no longer intends to visit Tennessee.

In an interview with ESPN, Dixson said the "college town" environment at Penn State appeals to him. Additionally, he developed a connection with the Nittany Lions' coaching staff and is looking forward to playing games in a packed Beaver Stadium.

Daryus Dixson's Profile

Dixson is listed at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds. He is a multi-sport athlete who competes in track. As a high school sophomore, he posted times of 11.48 and 11.52 in the 100-meter dash and 23.84 and 23.94 in the 200-meter dash.

On May 30, national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins of 247Sports wrote a compelling scouting report on Dixson, in which he noted:

"Dixson is the most physical corner out West and plays with the ferocity of a linebacker in a corner body. He’s a tough kid who can bully opposing wide outs and blow up running backs in the run game. He has a ton of length with close to a 6-6 wing span and uses his long arms and physical style to really excel in press coverage."

ESPN rates Dixson as the No. 64 overall recruit in the 2025 class and the No. 4 prospect from California.

While playing at Mater Dei, Dixson has faced elite competition, particularly during team practices, in which he competes against an offense loaded with star power, including dual-threat quarterback Dash Beierly, who is committed to Washington, and 6-foot-5 wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., who is five-star prospect committed to Ohio State.

Given the competition Dixson has faced at Mater Dei, he will be well-prepared when he begins playing against receivers in the Big Ten Conference.

West Coast Recruiting Foothold

In light of the expansion of the Big Ten to include West Coast teams, Penn State benefits from signing players like Dixson who play high school ball in California. Competing against the new Big Ten Teams involves competition on the recruiting trail as well as the gridiron. Dipping into rich West Coast talent pools helps Penn State maintain a competitive balance with USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington.

Dixson Bolsters PSU's 2025 Class

With the signing of Dixson, Penn State's 2025 class is rated No. 14 according to On3. The addition of Dixson vaulted the Nittany Linos up two spots in the ratings, moving them ahead of Ole Miss and Florida State.

In the Big Ten, Penn State is ranked No. 4, behind Ohio State, USC and Oregon.