SENATOBIA – Sophomore defensive tackle Tarow Barney made it official on Wednesday morning with Penn State, signing his national letter of intent to play for Bill O'Brien and the Nittany Lions next season.

"There was a great and amazing family feel around Penn State and I felt like coach O'Brien is a good coach and I could add to where he is trying to take Penn State football," Barney said.

Barney will have three years to play two when he arrives at Penn State in January. 

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson also made a huge impact on Barney during his visit on Nov. 23-24. 

"There's a great opportunity for me to come in and earn a starting spot," Barney said. "Coach Johnson made a connection with me from the minute he picked me up from the airport. I believe coach Johnson is the best at what he does. So in order for me to be the best player I can be I have to be coached by coach Johnson."

A native of Bainbridge, Ga., and Bainbridge High School, Barney is listed at 6-foot-3, 285-pounds and was rated a 4-star prospect by 247sports.com and the No. 3 DT in the 2014 class.

Barney finished the 2013 season with 36 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and five quarterback hurries. He had 20 tackles and four hurries as a freshman.

Barney chose Penn State over other offers from Kansas State, Arizona State, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa State, UAB, UTEP, Middle Tennessee State, Texas-San Antonio and Miami (Ohio). He also had major interest from Alabama and Northern Illinois.

Barney is the 48th Ranger since 2008 to sign with a four-year school and 13th FBS signee during that span.