Top PA junior recovering from injury

Defensive back Joel Takacs from Ebensburg (Pa.) Bishop Carroll has played both safety and cornerback over the last two seasons, but at 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, with a 4.7 forty-yard dash time, he will most likely be a safety at the next level. He sustained an injury early in this, his junior season, but has recovered and is ready to show college recruiters what he can do.

A two-year starter, Joel excelled at the strong safety position as a sophomore, and tallied 65 tackles and two interceptions. As a junior, he was moved to cornerback and quarterback, before going down in the third game with a torn MCL. He said he is fully healed now, and has returned to the cornerback slot, although he remains in the backup position at quarterback.

“I just like to have fun,” Takacs said. “I have been playing since the seventh grade. I like the action, the sport, and the recognition.”

So far Takacs has been receiving letters from Purdue, Iowa, and Boston College, with the Hawkeyes showing the most interest. He has been following Pitt closely over the last several schools and lists the Panthers as his favorite. He plans to travel to Pittsburgh on Nov. 9 to see them host Virginia Tech.

“I am looking for a bigger college,” Joel commented. “I go to a small high school with only 300 kids. I am leaving my options open, though.”

He also said he would like to stay within a reasonable distance of home.

An excellent student, Joel should have no problems qualifying academically. He boasts a 98.7 GPA, but has not taken the SAT yet.