STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Penn State's first recruiting class since the NCAA hammered the program with sanctions includes a potential quarterback of the future and a promising pass-rushing defensive end.

So much for the gloom-and-doom scenarios about getting shunned on the recruiting trail following the steep scholarship cuts as part of the penalties for the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal.

High school prospects could formally declare their college choices starting Wednesday. As expected, Penn State received commitments from coveted Virginia quarterback Christian Hackenberg and highly rated New Jersey defensive end Garrett Sickels.

About a dozen seniors total were expected to sign Wednesday, joining five prospects who have already enrolled early as freshmen.

Recruiting analysts are commending coach Bill O'Brien for being to keep the core of this recruiting class intact amid the sanctions.