Penn State Lands Another Standout Defensive Prospect

Liam Andrews, a 4-star defensive lineman, joins the Lions' 2024 recruiting class

Liam Andrews, a 4-star defensive prospect and the top-ranked player in Massachusetts, committed to Penn State's 2024 recruiting class Friday. Andrews announced his decision on 247Sports' YouTube channel, delivering the latest recruiting success for defensive line coach Deion Barnes.

Andrews, a senior at Dexter Southfield High in Brookline, Massachusetts, is a 6-5, 275-pound lineman who plays on both sides of the ball but will concentrate on defense in college. Penn State is recruiting Andrews as a defensive lineman, projecting him at tackle. He's the No. 1 prospect in Massachusetts, according to 247Sports, and ranks 101st nationally overall. Andrews is the highest-rated defensive player so far in Penn State's 2024 class, according to 247Sports. The On3 recruiting site ranks Andrews as the No. 4 athlete nationally, since he's a standout interior offensive lineman as well.

Andrews chose Penn State from a final list that included Wisconsin and South Carolina. He has received more than 20 scholarship offers from programs including Ohio State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida and Miami.During his announcement, Andrews singled out his relationship with Barnes and his comfort with the defense.

"Their defensive scheme really allows their defensive linemen and their interior defensive tackles to play really aggressive and athletic," Andrews said. "I think that's my play style. I'm a really aggressive player on the field."

Andrews is the third consecutive defensive lineman to commit to Penn State's class, demonstrating Barnes' recruiting impact since he was promoted to line coach in the spring. Barnes delivered an energetic recruiting presence as a graduate assistant and has become a closer as line coach.

"I've seen what [high school players] went through and have been in those buildings," Barnes said in a spring interview. "It’s a good thing for me get back to that ground where it all started. This is why I got into coaching, to make sure every young man who came up like me with those same assets and qualities I had makes it and goes even further. It’s a beautiful thing."

Andrews became the 23rd player to join Penn State's 2024 recruiting class, which now ranks fifth nationally according to the 247Sports Composite.

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