New Jersey defensive end Dorian Hardy is no longer a Penn State commit, Lions247 has learned. The former Paramus Catholic standout originally committed to the Nittany Lions over the summer. He has been removed from the commitment list on 247Sports.

Hardy has been at the center of controversy at Paramus Catholic, where he is no longer enrolled. He transferred to Paramus before his senior season from St. Joseph's Regional in Montvale, N.J. He is a four-star prospect according to the 247Sports Composite rankings and the No. 174 overall prospect in the country. He's the No. 8 strongside defensive end nationally and the No. 6 prospect in New Jersey.

With Hardy out of the picture, the Nittany Lions are back to 22 commitments in the Class of 2018. Penn State remains in pursuit of several defensive ends, including five-star Micah Parsons and four-stars Tyreke Smith and Jayson Oweh.

The Nittany Lions' recruiting class drops to No. 4 in the country in the recruiting cycle behind Ohio State, Texas and Miami.