T.A. Cunningham, a highly sought-after four-star defensive lineman, has announced his commitment to Penn State. The talented player, who will be playing his senior season at Miami Central High School, is ranked No. 234 nationally in the 247Sports Composite in the Class of 2024. Cunningham’s decision to commit to Penn State comes after careful consideration and evaluation of his options.
Cunningham’s journey to this point has been quite unique. Originally from Georgia, he played his junior season at Los Alamitos High in California before transferring to Miami Central. The decision to move to California was largely driven by the opportunities for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals that were available to athletes in the state. Cunningham’s father wanted him and his brother, T.K., who is a Class of 2027 prospect, to take advantage of these opportunities. However, Cunningham initially faced eligibility issues in California but was eventually cleared to play by the sixth game of the season.
Now, Cunningham is set to make his mark at Miami Central, a school that has recently won four consecutive state championships. His addition to the team will undoubtedly strengthen their defense and contribute to their pursuit of another title.
Penn State’s ability to secure Cunningham’s commitment is a significant achievement for the program. It demonstrates their recruiting prowess and their ability to attract top talent from outside their traditional recruiting footprint. While it can be challenging for coaching staffs to recruit prospects who are located far away from campus, Penn State was able to overcome this hurdle and secure Cunningham’s commitment.
In fact, Cunningham’s commitment comes just days after another blue-chip defensive line prospect, Liam Andrews from Massachusetts, also committed to Penn State. These two commitments highlight the program’s focus on building a formidable defensive line for the future.
Cunningham had several strong finalists in his recruitment process, including Miami, Michigan, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. However, he ultimately chose Penn State as his future home. He took an official visit to Penn State in mid-June and was clearly impressed by what the program had to offer.
With Cunningham’s commitment, he becomes the 24th player to join Penn State’s 2024 class, which currently ranks No. 5 nationally. This class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the country, and Cunningham’s addition only strengthens that position.
Coach James Franklin and his staff have done an excellent job in assembling this talented recruiting class. Their ability to attract top-tier prospects from across the country speaks to the program’s reputation and the coaching staff’s ability to develop players.
As Cunningham prepares for his senior season at Miami Central, he will undoubtedly have high expectations placed upon him. His previous performances at Johns Creek High in suburban Atlanta showcased his talent and potential. In his sophomore year, he recorded impressive statistics, including 66 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Penn State fans will be eagerly anticipating his arrival on campus and the impact he can make on their defense.
In conclusion, T.A. Cunningham’s commitment to Penn State is a significant win for the program. His decision to choose Penn State over other top schools demonstrates the program’s ability to attract elite talent from outside their traditional recruiting footprint. Cunningham’s addition to the team will undoubtedly bolster their defense and contribute to their pursuit of success in the coming years. With his commitment, Penn State’s 2024 class continues to solidify its position as one of the best in the nation.