The class of 2009 is starting to fill out for Penn State. Today we partially filled a position of major need when St. Joseph's Prep offensive tackle Mark Arcidiacono announced he's going to Penn State.
Arcidiacono, a 6-5, 290-pound junior tackle at St. Joseph's Prep, held a press conference early this afternoon and said he'd attend Penn State. His other choice was Florida.
Remember a few years ago when half the team had the last name Johnson? Now I have to learn how to spell names like Stankiewitch and Wisniewski. Arcidiancono is going to take me a while. I'll have to print out a copy of the Penn State roster and keep it handy.
Achiden...
Archedan...
Ugh, the 6-5 290 lb tackle fills a major need for Penn State. With Cadogen gone after this year and Landolt gone after 2009 it's not certain who on the depth chart is going to fill in. Arcidiancono (Yes!) has an excellent chance to play early if not right away. He passed on other offers from over 20 schools including Florida, Notre Dame, and Rutgers.
This morning his high school coach gave some insight into why the Nittany Lions were his choice.
"I believe that there are two factors," Brooks said yesterday. Arcidiacono has "had a life-long affinity for Penn State and he comes from a big family, and I think he'd like to remain closer to home."
Given Joe Paterno's uncertain future this is what I expected. The only top notch recruits we'll get are the ones that grew up with Ki-Jana Carter posters on their walls. Maybe Arcidianoco had Jeff Hartings posters. Who knows.
Anyway, I'm not complaining about this one. Big kid with an impressive offer list in a position of major need. Nice work Penn State and welcome to the family, Mark. Now can we get a quarterback and maybe a wide receiver or two?