The early signing period started on a positive note for James Franklin and Penn State when five-star defensive end Micah Parsons announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions. Parsons, the No. 7 ranked prospect overall, chose Penn State over Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Nebraska.
His recruitment took a winding path to get to this point and started with a commitment to Penn State in February 2016. After receiving more offers and taking visits, Parsons eventually decommitted from the Nittany Lions in April 2017.