Recruit could fit in well at Linebacker U

By JOHN GIBLIN
Collegian Staff Writer

The Penn State football team is looking to build on its tradition of "Linebacker U" with its recent verbal commitment to the recruiting Class of 2000.

Jesse Neumyer, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker from Mechanicsburg, verbally committed June 18 to play his collegiate ball in Happy Valley, where he is expected to primarily play outside linebacker.

"He's the best linebacker in the state, maybe the region," said Mike Bakas, recruiting expert for the Eastern Football Journal. "I've never seen heart and dedication like I've seen in this kid."

Neumyer chose Penn State over Virginia, Ohio State, Boston College, and Pittsburgh. He said he narrowed his choices to Penn State and Virginia on June 17 before finally selecting the Nittany Lions.

"I talked to my coach and my parents and we sat down the night before to talk about it," Neumyer said. "It was a real tough decision."

The linebacker has had a prestigious career in his three seasons at Cumberland Valley High School.

During his sophomore season, he recorded 100 tackles and put up more than 500 yards rushing during part-time duty as fullback. In addition, Neumyer averaged more than 40 yards per punt, and had a 48-yard field goal to his credit.

Entering his junior year for the Eagles, Neumyer was named to the pre-season All-State squad before falling prey to injury. He missed the season when he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in a non-contact drill. Neumyer quickly recovered from the setback, however, returning later that year to compete for the basketball team.

Neumyer's injury only made him work harder during practice, in the weight-room, and during rehabilitation. Cumberland Valley football coach Tim Rimpfel said he's never seen a kid more determined to come back.

"The rehab went real well. Jesse even played the second half of the basketball season," Rimpfel said.

The linebacker has been timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Inside the weight-room, Neumyer bench presses 340 pounds and squats 400. In addition to his speed and athletic prowess, Neumyer has also been successful in the classroom, earning a 4.0 grade-point average thus far and posting an 1180 on his Scholastic Aptitude Test.

With his ability to play numerous positions, he enters his senior season as one of the state's top all-around prospects.

"Jesse is an excellent running back. And he's also an excellent linebacker. And, he's our kicker," Rimpfel said. "He has an uncanny ability to read and react to plays from the defensive side of the ball."

Neumyer had a large number of schools across the nation actively recruiting him this spring.

"They all offered me a scholarship, but Penn State and Virginia led for most of the way."

Numerous factors came into play when deciding what school to choose, Neumyer said.

"I felt comfortable with the players, but more importantly I really like the coaching staff," Neumyer said. "I don't know how long coach (Joe) Paterno is going to be there, but he said three to five years. And he guaranteed me that when he leaves there won't be a big turnover in the staff. There are a lot of good coaches on that staff."

The pre-decision meeting with his coach may have helped influence Neumyer's final decision.

"I tell all my kids that are being recruited to go with the school that gives you the most attention. Penn State was the first team to contact Jesse, and after his injury, they were the first to write him a letter."