On Saturday night, the Nittany Lions faced Iowa in front of an overflow crowd in Beaver Stadium, as well as a national television audience. The game was another one of those ‘White-Outs’ that nobody does like Penn State.
The Penn State coaching staff took advantage of the big game and hosted a talented group of prospects on unofficial visits. Included in the group was one of the Keystone State’s top juniors: Pottstown (Pa.) Pottsgrove running back and defensive back Maika Polamalu.
The 6-foot-1 and 205-pound Polamalu, an ESPNU 150 Watch List prospect, received his first scholarship offer from Villanova. His second one came this past weekend, prior to kickoff in Happy Valley.
“Before the game in the recruiting room, Coach (Mike) McQueary said they were going to offer me and Terrell (Chestnut),” Polamalu said. “I was kind of surprised. I told him thank you and it was an honor.”
Terrell Chestnut is Polamalu’s junior teammate who the Nittany Lions are recruiting as an ‘athlete.’ For that matter, they are recruiting Polamalu as an athlete, too.
“They said an offensive- and defensive-athlete,” Polamalu said. “I have no preference. I like both sides of the ball.”
When asked about the Penn State-Iowa game, Polamalu said, “I liked it a lot. It was fun. I liked the atmosphere and the style of play.”
Polamalu is interested in Penn State, but would not go as far as to say the Nittany Lions are his favorite.
“I’m interested in all the schools that have been in contact,” Polamalu said. “Penn State, Pitt, Virginia, Rutgers, UCLA, Illinois, LSU, Colorado, Clemson and Virginia are schools I’ve heard from.”
Polamalu’s father, Alatoa, played for Penn State and graduated in 1988. His mother also graduated from Penn State. Cousin Troy Polamalu played for Southern Cal and is currently a star safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Maika Polamalu was a varsity starter at cornerback his freshman year and running back his sophomore season. He is playing both positions this season.
Polamalu intercepted a pass his freshman season. He rushed for 1,854 yards and had 247 receiving yards last season with 21 touchdowns. Thus far this season Polamalu has 325 yards rushing and five touchdowns as Pottsgrove is 4-0.
Kurelic’s Comment: Polamalu said he is in no hurry to select a college and is not likely to decide soon. When he does make a decision, I like Penn State’s chances.
Lions offer Polamalu
