STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Tight end Adam Breneman tops the list of five new recruits who have signed early at Penn State as part of the school's first recruiting class since the program was sanctioned by the NCAA.

Breneman has remained vocal about sticking with the Nittany Lions since the NCAA penalties were announced in July for the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal. Breneman sat out his senior season at Cedar Cliff High in Camp Hill, Pa., with a right knee injury.

Tight end has turned into a strength in the year since Bill O'Brien took over as Penn State coach. Breneman could join breakout star Kyle Carter and Matt Lehman at the position in 2013.

O'Brien also announced Monday that backup tailback Curtis Dukes had left the team.