In-state schools lead for PA LB

Two schools are early leaders for linebacker Paul Stefanik out of Harrison City (Pa.) Penn Trafford. What makes the two in-state programs stand out to the 6-foot-1, 217-pounder?

"I'm getting mail from Pittsburgh, Akron and West Virginia mostly," he said. "I'd say I would have to be favoring Pittsburgh and Penn State though. I like both of them because they are in-state and relatively close to home. Pittsburgh has beautiful facilities and coach Wannstedt is there. His 16 years of NFL experience is great and I believe the team is on the rise. I went there for a visit this spring and saw practice. My conversation with the coaches went really well and they explained everything on defense to me.

"Penn State of course has coach Paterno. Their linebacker corps is always fantastic and I know that is the place to play if you are a linebacker."

Stefanik is keeping his eye on one other school.

"I really like Notre Dame a lot too and I've sent them my film," he said. "I like their tradition, campus and history of football there. Notre Dame is a top school in the country to go to and coach Weis is proving to be great."

The linebacker prospect registered 78 tackles, 11 for loss and six sacks as a junior.

"I think my best quality on the field is my leadership. I was named a captain on the team," he said. "I'm also real intense and have great instincts."

This summer Stefanik plans to attend camps at Akron, Pittsburgh and West Virginia.