Wilkes-Barre's Jefferson adds name to Lions' list
of verbal commitments

By JOHN GIBLIN
Collegian Staff Writer

The Penn State football team has added yet another verbal commitment in Wilkes-Barre GAR High School running back Paul Jefferson.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound fullback committed to the Nittany Lions yesterday, selecting Penn State in favor of a host of other major Div. I schools, including Notre Dame, Ohio State, Syracuse, Michigan State, Northwestern and Wisconsin.

Jefferson was offered a scholarship on July 2 after a stint at Penn State's summer football camp, according to the National Recruiting Advisor.

While at the camp, Jefferson ran two sub-4.5, 40-yard dashes and recorded what is believed to be the second highest standing broad jump ever recorded at the camp.

"Speaking to (Penn State) coach (Dick) Anderson, he did exceptionally well," said GAR football coach Tony Khalife. "Going to that camp and doing well was the final factor in his decision."

Jefferson, considered by many to be Pennsylvania's No. 1 fullback prospect this season, runs with exceptional strength and lateral movement. His best attribute, however, may be his blocking.

"He gets the tough yardage for us, but also averages over five yards per carry," Khalife said.

"He's got good hands, so we can also throw the ball to him out of the backfield — he's the man when it comes to that."

As a junior, Jefferson rushed 82 times for slightly more than 500 yards on the season. He also doubles as a linebacker, but his future at Penn State is most likely in the offensive backfield.

Despite missing two games with an ankle sprain last season, Jefferson still led Wilkes-Barre GAR in tackles from his linebacker position.

Jefferson maintains a 3.97 grade point average and scored a 1030 on his Scholastic Aptitude Test while taking all honors classes. In the weight room, he bench presses 365 pounds and squats 400.

"Paul doesn't like to slack off. He's a real hard worker with a great work ethic," Khalife said. "I think he's pissed that he has a 3.97 (GPA) instead of a 4.0."

Jefferson has always been viewed as a role model, despite only being a high school senior. In addition to excelling both in the classroom and on the football field, Jefferson is the starting forward for the basketball team and throws the discus and shot put on the track and field team.

"The kids always looked up to him, even before he committed," Khalife said.

"Teachers, faculty, coaches . . . we're all proud of him."