Junior Day Preview: An Interview With Class of 2013 PA LB Jake Plonski

With only two linebackers signed in the last two recruiting classes, and the departure of Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges after the 2012 season, expect Penn State to look for several linebackers in the 2013 recruiting class.

Cathedral Prep’s (Erie, PA) Jake Plonski could be one of the latest additions that will be expected to uphold the tradition at Linebacker U. Plonski will be one of several promising student-athletes to make the trip to State College for this weekend’s Junior Day. He will be making the trip with two of his teammates: QB Damion Terry and ATH Delton Williams.

"We're all seeing how everything plays out for each of us right now. If things work out, we may try to play together at the next level."

The 6-3, 225 pound ILB has not received any offers yet, but thinks this will change soon.

"My coach has hinted that I will be receiving some offers soon. I know he seems to think Penn State is getting really close to offering."

Plonski will be visiting Michigan State on the weekend of February 25, and is working around his 7-on-7 schedule to make trips to Illinois and West Virginia. As far as his visit to Penn State this week, he is most excited about checking out the new-look weight room and workout facilities.

"I'm a huge gym freak, so the facilities will play a big part in my selection process. I love pushing my limits, becoming stronger, and finding new ways to improve my game," Plonski said. "I went to the Iowa and Alabama games last year, so I got to know the campus really well. I'm looking forward to getting a look at the facilities now."

Penn State's new strength and conditioning program already seems to be making an impact on recruits. Plonski recently sat down and watched Penn State's "New Strength" video, and came away very impressed.

"I really like what I saw. It seems like a very intense program."

While the strength and conditioning program will be a factor in Plonski’s decision, there are several other factors he is considering. "I want to go somewhere with a nice campus. The overall atmosphere of the university is important to me. I also want to play for a group of coaches that are fun to be around."

Thus far Plonski has mainly been hearing from wide receivers coach Stan Hixon, but expect him to receive plenty of input from new strength and conditioning coach Craig Fitzgerald before the 2013 letter of intent date comes around.

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