STATE COLLEGE — Navy visits Penn State on Sept. 15.
Two Centre County teenagers should have a strong interest in the non-conference game.
State College defensive lineman David Gordeuk announced his decision to attend Navy and running back Jack Haffner unveiled plans to join Penn State coach Bill O’Brien’s first team as a preferred walk-on during a signing day ceremony Wednesday at the North Building.
Both players endured arduous recruiting process.
Gordeuk started Navy’s extensive application process last summer. The application included a series of demanding essays, interviews and recommendations.
As he worked toward obtaining acceptance to the academy, Gordeuk blossomed into a college football prospect. The football novice — Gordeuk didn’t start playing until his junior year — started developing skills to match an athletic 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame.
He power-cleaned 320 pounds last summer, started all 13 games last fall and earned first team Mid-Penn Conference Commonwealth honors. Gordeuk also participates in track and field, and he has thrown the shot put 50 feet and cleared 6 feet in the high jump.
“He’s a Division I athlete,” State College coach Al Wolski said. “There’s no question about that. He can run well, he has strength, power and quickness, and the strides he made from his junior to senior year were unbelievable. He’s making himself into a really fine player.”
Gordeuk’s play and potential intrigued college coaches, including Navy recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach Dale Pehrson.
Gordeuk selected the Midshipmen, who join the Big East in 2015, over Princeton.
“If I work hard, I’m just excited to see what’s going to happen,” Gordeuk said. “I hope I can make a difference on the team.”
Haffner’s recruiting process baffled Wolski, who has sent more than 50 players to various colleges since arriving at State College in 2004.
Against a schedule loaded with Quad-A heavyweights, Haffner rushed for 2,143 yards last fall, the second highest single-season total in Centre County history behind former NFL running back Larry Johnson. The 6-foot, 215-pound Haffner earned first team all-state honors and has been timed below 4.6 seconds in the 40- yard dash, yet generated little Division I interest.
“It’s unbelievable,” Wolski said. “I don’t know what the answer is. People had the tape and we called. You hear from some people and they say they have two or three better. I would like to see the tape on the two or three better.”
In recent weeks, Haffner visited Holy Cross and Lafayette of the Division I-AA Patriot League and Division II Indiana (Pa.). Instead of seeking the football security attached with a scholarship, Haffner wanted to play at the highest level.
“It got frustrating,” Haffner said, “but it’s just the way things panned out. Penn State was my dream since the beginning, so I’m just happy I’m going to be a part of it.”
Haffner met hasn’t O’Brien. Wolski sent film of Haffner to Penn State’s previous coaching staff, then updated the film and met with current assistants Ron Vanderlinden and Mac McWhorter. Penn State recruited Haffner as a fullback.
“I’m new just like this coaching staff,” Haffner said. “I’m going to work very hard and hopefully earn a spot.”
Jon Cox, a two-way lineman, announced his decision to attend Division III Franklin & Marshall on Wednesday. Cox, a two-year defensive line starter, was recruited to play defense.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Cox joined Gordeuk as a first Mid-Penn Commonwealth defensive line selection. An ankle injury limited Cox’s playing time in PIAA playoff games against University Prep and North Allegheny.
“I was really frustrated with how things ended,” he said. “I feel like going to Franklin & Marshall I really have a chance to make a difference on the field. I just want to get right back out there and show people what I have got.”
Wolski said multiple players, including quarterback Josh Weakland, are waiting to announce their decisions. Weakland visited Division I-AA Maine this past weekend.
Guy Cipriano can be reached at 231-4643.
