By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

May 22, 2009

The Nittany Lions have a commitment from one quarterback: P.J. Jones from McKees Rocks (Pa.) Sto-Rox.  However, they don’t plan to stop there.

Joe Paterno is looking for two quarterbacks this recruiting season and would be content for both to hail from Pennsylvania if he can land Anthony Gonzalez from Bethlehem (Pa.) Liberty.

Gonzalez is well aware of Jones’ commitment to the Nittany Lions.  He says it will not impact his decision.

“Wherever I go I will have to compete,” Gonzalez said.  “So [Jones’ commitment] doesn’t bother me.”

The 6-foot-3 and 200-pound Gonzalez has been Liberty’s starting quarterback since the beginning of his sophomore season.  He passed for 1,200 yards and rushed for close to 600 that season.

Gonzalez led Liberty to a 15-1 record and the state championship as a junior.  He passed for 1,580 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 1,670 yards and 24 touchdowns.  Gonzalez was intercepted just four times.

Gonzalez recently received a scholarship offer from Clemson, raising his total to 10.  His list includes Penn State, Pitt, Illinois, Maryland, West Virginia, Missouri, Northwestern and Florida State. 

Gonzalez did not attend any spring games, but made it to a Maryland spring practice session.  He plans to visit West Virginia in the next couple weeks.

“The only schools I’ve seen so far are Pitt, Penn State and Maryland,” Gonzalez said.  “I’ll make some other trips in the summer.”

Penn State assistant coaches Mike McQueary and Jay Paterno stopped at Liberty to check on Gonzalez a couple weeks ago.

Gonzalez says he will likely take at least some of his official visits before selecting a college.

An outstanding all-around athlete, Gonzalez has been a varsity starter on the Liberty basketball team since his freshman season.  He averaged 14 points per game this past season.