Another linebacking recruit commits to Penn State

By JOHN GIBLIN
Collegian Staff Writer

The Penn State football team continued its trend of early commitments yesterday, receiving a verbal from Parkersburg, W.Va., linebacker Scott Davis.

Davis' commitment is the fourth from a linebacker and 17th overall for Penn State's recruiting class of 2000. The Nittany Lions have the maximium amount of scholarships, 25, to give this season, as regulated by the NCAA.

"The reason I chose Penn State is because of their high academic expectations," Davis said. "They are very strong in that area, and that's what I liked most about it."

In addition to his prowess in the classroom, where Davis has a 3.3 grade-point average and has posted a 1010 score on the SATs, he is also a workhorse on the playing field. A two-way starter for Parkersburg High School, Davis rushed for 1008 yards and scored 15 times last season from the fullback position. He also played inside linebacker on defense.

He has been timed at 4.80 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and has bench pressed 355 pounds.

At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, the next question is what position Davis will play at the next level. According to his mother, Terry, Penn State is looking to play him at linebacker, defensive end or defensive tackle.

"I'm not sure yet. I'll play defense, but we're still looking for the right position," said Davis, who said he was recruited by Penn State defensive line coach Joe Sarra.

Davis had considered numerous Div. I schools, including many in the Big Ten.

"He liked Ohio State, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Michigan and West Virginia," Davis' mother said. "All of them had things going for them, but Penn State won out."

When asked how many schools had offered scholarships, Davis responded, "A bunch of Big Ten schools, a bunch of schools from the Big East, SEC and ACC. I think it was 14 or 15 total."

During early May, the all-state selection listed Kentucky as his No. 1 choice. While his other choices at the time — Northwestern, West Virginia, Ohio State and Notre Dame — had offered scholarships, Penn State was the last to make an offer to Davis.

After returning from a visit to Ohio State June 5th, Davis said he seriously considered committing to the Buckeyes. He had even gone as far as setting a date — June 9 — when he would make his final announcement. However, Davis decided to wait on his selection.

"I was talking to my coach (Marshall Burdette) and he said it would be better to wait until at least July," Davis said.

After deciding to hold off on selecting a school, Davis did just the opposite of what others in his position have been doing this summer. Most high school seniors-to-be have been taking college visits and attending football camps across the nation in preparation for the upcoming season.

Not Davis.

"He took a little vacation to kind of forget football for awhile," Davis' mother said.

The future Nittany Lion still may make a visit to Happy Valley before the summer is completed, but now he plans to focus on the upcoming football season.