Stupar stays home with Penn State

State College, Pa. athlete Nathan Stupar decided to stay in-town for his college football career by committing to Penn State today. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder chose the Nittany Lions over offers from Maryland, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Arizona State, Stanford, Boston College, Virginia and West Virginia.

"I think there were a lot of things that made Nathan chose Penn State," his father, Steve Stupar said. "I think one of the biggest things for him was the fact that they have a solid film and video technology degree in their communications department. I know Nate is a video buff that does voiceover work and has even won awards at school. He really loves that program a lot.

"As for football, obviously the facilities are great there and he likes his recruiter, coach Mike McQueary and the linebacker coach Ron Vanderlinden a lot. I know he felt very comfortable with both of them and especially liked the honesty and straightforward talk he got from Mike. He also likes the fact that Mike is a younger coach that is down-to-earth."

Stupar had concerns with his son playing so close to home, but thinks it'll work out fine.

"I know our concern was that he was going to be living too close to home," he said. "I know Nathan though and he's a very independent kid that got a feel for the entire recruiting process. I believe Nate is somewhat of a homebody, but he'll be fine there. He loves his brothers and sisters and enjoys spending time with them."

The Nittany Lion staff sees the Keystone State prospect as a linebacker in college.

"Nathan knew he could probably grow and play defensive end at Penn State, but considering the way he moves and his intensity, ferocity and smarts. He just translates better to linebacker according to coach Vanderlinden," he said. "Over the next year, he is planning to be up at Penn State a lot looking at tapes with the coaches and picking up on all the terminology to prepare for the next level."

A former Penn State football player himself, Stuper was thrilled about his son's decision, but even more so as a father.

"I have a special place for Penn State having played there and being an alumnus," he said. "This decision today means much more to me because I'm his father and that relationship transcends my feelings on the school."

Stupar can't wait to join the Nittany Lion family.

"I can't wait to play for Joe Paterno and I'm very excited about the opportunity to uphold the tradition of linebacker U and helping them win another national championship," Nathan said.