Stankiewitch discusses decision
The Nittany Lions started their 2008 recruiting campaign on Saturday when Joe Paterno and Penn State landed their first commitment this year from Schuylkill (Pa.) Blue Mountain offensive center Matt Stankiewitch. What made the 6-foot-4, 288-pounder pick Penn State over offers from Rutgers, West Virginia and Connecticut?
"I committed yesterday while visiting for practice," he said. "I first told my commitment to coach Anderson, then Mike McQueary and then to Joe Paterno. They all were very excited and happy for me."
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Stankiewitch went on to discuss what made him decide on heading to State College.
"No. 1 for me was the education," he said. "I really like the alumni system there, it's the largest in the nation and my brother goes there. Also a Penn State education can go anywhere because everyone knows who they are.
"No. 2 for me was location. That was key in my decision because it's nice being close to home near my parents, friends and coaches. It makes it easier on everybody.
"No. 3 was the coaching staff. Coach McQueary and Anderson are very good coaches who are nice. That was a major part of my decision. I could tell by being around them that I fit in well there. Finally it was just the all-around package. Everything fell into place for me there."
The coaches haven't discussed playing time so far, but have mentioned his position.
"They want me as an offensive center which is great for me," he said. "As for playing time, they just told me the best players are going to play and I like that."
Despite making an early decision, Stankiewitch confirmed he is still graduating on-time.
"I just wanted to get my decision out of the way," he said. "I like to get stuff done, that's the way I am. I got offers and then narrowed it down from there."
The Keystone State prospect doesn't plan to attend the Blue and White game this weekend. He did however state that he will be visiting State College a lot including for at least one game this fall.