David Tarawallie, a 6‑foot‑6, 260‑pound offensive lineman from Riverside, Ohio, announced his commitment to Penn State on Wednesday, choosing the Nittany Lions over a lengthy list of suitors that included Cincinnati, Louisville, Miami (Ohio), Michigan State, North Carolina State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, South Florida, Tennessee, Toledo, UConn, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
A Late‑Bloomer’s Rise
The decision caps a rapid physical transformation that began when the three‑star recruit, listed at 6‑foot‑4 and 190 pounds as a freshman, added 70 pounds of muscle through a regimen of weightlifting, nutrition and dedicated training.
During his official visit to State College, Tarawallie was impressed by the Penn State coaching staff and the campus facilities, a factor that helped seal his choice.
Ranked as the 38th offensive tackle in the nation for the class of 2027 by 247Sports and the 13th‑best prospect in Ohio, he also appears at No. 35 in the state and No. 82 nationally on ESPN’s composite list.
Tarawallie, who did not pick up a football helmet until seventh grade and describes himself as a late‑bloomer, credits his progress to a disciplined work ethic. His coach Jeremy Ishmael has praised the senior’s bench press of 325 pounds and squat of 425 pounds.
The future business major plans to join the offensive line that helped All‑Ohioan Kyndall McCaleb, who signed with Wake Forest, and hopes to continue his development under the guidance of the Penn State staff.