By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

March 30, 2009

One of the top prospects in the state of New Jersey, Kevin Haplea, recently told Nittany Network he would be visiting Penn State on Saturday, March 28, with his parents and twin sister.

Haplea and his family made the trip as scheduled.

“We went to Pittsburgh on Friday,” Haplea said.  “We visited Pitt on Friday and Penn State on Saturday.”

Haplea had visited Penn State a month ago.  However, that trip was on a Sunday and he was not able to meet everyone he wanted to.

“This time everyone was there,” Haplea said.  “I met the strength and conditioning coordinator and the academic coordinator.  They weren’t there the last time. 

“Penn State runs a different type of strength program than most schools, so it was good to talk to the person who runs it.  And I heard a lot about the academics this time around.”

Haplea also attended Penn State’s Spring Practice session on Saturday.

“It was their first practice in full pads so the players were really excited,” Haplea said.  “I got a good feel for how Coach (Bill) Kenney coaches the tight ends.  I saw Coach (Dick) Anderson who is recruiting me.  I talked to Joe Paterno a little.  He came over and said ‘Hello.’  He met my mom for the first time, which was important.”

The 6-foot-4 and 235-pound Haplea has been a varsity starter since his freshman season at Annandale (N.J.) North Hunterdon.  Hee played wide receiver that first season.  The past two seasons he has started at both tight end and defensive end.  Haplea is being recruited as a tight end by most schools including Penn State.

Haplea caught 17 passes for 223 yards during his junior season.  He averaged 13 yards per catch and scored twice.  Haplea made 58 tackles including nine sacks.

Haplea received a scholarship offer from Purdue on Thursday and now has seven written offers.  His others are from Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse, Miami, Rutgers and West Virginia.  He is looking at those seven schools as well as Florida, Virginia, Clemson and Duke.

Haplea is not sure when he will select a college.

“Depending on how the rest of the spring goes, I want to take some more visits and see who else offers,” he said.  “I might narrow things down or I might decide (on a college).”

Haplea also plays baseball.  He wanted to attend the Nittany Lions’ spring game, but probably won’t be able to because of his baseball schedule.