Penn State Lasch Bash leaves a strong impression on Jaziel Hart

Penn State welcomed one of Virginia’s up-and-coming defensive backs to campus Friday in North Cross prospect Jaziel Hart. Listed at 6-foot, 170 pounds, Hart has been on campus three times in the past three months, attending a junior day in May and a camp in June. It was at that camp that the 2026 Roanoke native earned an offer from the Nittany Lions.

He said Friday’s Lasch Bash was an opportunity to learn more about what the football program values.

“The coaches make the place feel like you are literally at home,” Hart said. “They show so much love every time. Another thing we noticed is that the coaches also want to build a relationship off the field so that the relationship on the field is even better. And lastly, I noticed how the players go at it in workouts like they’re opponents on different teams. That way, when they’re on the same side of the ball, they can trust each other.”

Link: Get to know Penn State’s top defensive targets in the Class of 2026

Hart and his family were also able to have an extended conversation with cornerbacks coach Terry Smith.

“I got to talk to Coach Smith about life and just build on our bond,” Hart said. “My parents got to spend time with him more than myself, which I liked because I felt that he truly wanted to know more about my family. Something that stands out about him is his loyalty to Penn State, his realness as a person and how respectful he is to his peers.”

Hart’s stock has been on the rise over the past two months following an excellent performance at the Baltimore Under Armour Camp. In addition to Penn State, he’s added offers from Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

After visiting West Virginia on Thursday, he’s now headed to Michigan to see what the Wolverines have to offer during its BBQ at the Big House on Saturday. With that said, Hart made it clear that he plans to be back at Penn State later this year.

“I’ll be at that White Out game most likely so I can feel the full potential of Penn State,” Hart said. “I’ll be at some other schools this fall for sure to explore more.”

He went on to add, “All of my Power Five schools are trying to keep up with me lately, so it’s a dream come true and I respect it a lot from those schools and coaches.”

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