Chris Ash is on a mission to take back New Jersey. The Rutgers coach has already made major strides in recruiting the program’s backyard.

But he couldn’t keep one of the state’s top 2018 recruits from committing to another B1G East team.

Four-star 2018 receiver Justin Shorter announced his commitment to the Lions on Saturday via Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JustinShorter15/status/761948126257225729

Shorter is the No. 8 receiver and No. 69 player overall in the 2018 class. The South Brunswick High product is also the No. 3-rated player from New Jersey.

The 6-4, 210-pound wideout committed to PSU just days after he took an unofficial visit to State College. He’s also visited the likes of Michigan, Pitt, Rutgers and Virginia Tech, all of whom figure to keep recruiting the talented junior.

Still, that’s another key early get for PSU’s 2018 class. The Lions already have a commitment from five-star defensive end Micah Parsons, who’s the No. 3 player overall.

PSU is now up to No. 7 overall and No. 2 in the B1G in the 247sports 2018 class rankings.