Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1516624
4 8 M A R C H 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 2 4 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / T he Nittany Lions have a long history of developing Penn- sylvania's best high school line- backers into future NFL players. Between Jack Ham, LaVar Ar- rington, Paul Posluszny, Micah Parsons and so many others, the Keystone State has played a major role in fostering Penn State's repu- tation as Linebacker U. Anthony Speca, a native of Brid- geville, Pa., won't have to live up to those sky-high standards to have a successful tenure at the college level. But if his high school career was a preview of what to expect, there's plenty to be excited about. Not only was Speca a four-year letterman at Central Catholic, which is arguably Pittsburgh's premier football program, he was also a two-year team cap- tain. Anyone who's spent time with the 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker knows he represents everything a coach could ever ask for inside the locker room. But Speca was just as good on the field, totaling 326 tackles during his ca- reer, the most in school history. When you consider that Central Catholic has sent 15 players to the NFL, includ- ing four who were active during the 2023 season, that record holds weight. "He's a PA kid, and that's what Penn State has been built on, guys like Speca," recruiting assistant Alan Zemaitis said in December. "We feel really good about the type of guy that we're going to get and develop. I also wouldn't be surprised if he were to become a captain here at Penn State at some point." Not only did the Nittany Lions' history at the position play a role in Speca's commitment, one of the school's former stars at the position had a direct impact. In February 2022, head coach James Franklin hired Dan Connor as a defensive analyst. By that point, Speca had already visited three times. As he got to know Connor, the pro- gram's all-time leading tackler, the Li- ons steadily climbed his list of suitors. "I talk to Dan every day. He's my guy," Speca told BWI following his commit- ment in January 2023. "The conversa- tions I've had with him have been amaz- ing. I've been able to ask him questions about playing in college and all his old Penn State stories. It's been fun getting to know him. Dan is my guy." Many other members of Penn State's staff also had a big impact, including then-defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. In December, Diaz left to become head coach at Duke. It was not a sur- prising move, and it didn't change Spe- ca's feelings about the Nittany Lions. "I love Coach Diaz. I really hope he succeeds at Duke, but for me and Penn State, that doesn't really change much on how I view my commitment or any- thing like that," Speca said. "I was going to Penn State whether or not Manny Diaz was there. Penn State has had great defenses since it's been around, and I don't think that's going to stop." — Ryan Snyder Although he was recruited by Manny Diaz, Speca was unfazed by the defensive coordinator's exit in December. "I was going to Penn State whether or not Manny Diaz was there," he said. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER ANTHONY SPECA Central Catholic standout finds the right fit at Linebacker U LB | 6-1 | 220 Central Catholic Bridgeville, Pa. Rankings Stars Nat. Pos. State On3 Industry ★★★ 498 46 9 On3 ★★★ — 65 18 ESPN ★★★ — 13 13 Rivals ★★★★ — 19 13 247Sports ★★★ — 43 6 Statistics • Holds Central Catholic's career record with 326 total tackles • Finished with 94 tackles as a senior, including 17 for loss and 5 sacks • Totaled 122 tackles and 4 sacks as a junior Notable • Named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Fab 22 squad in 2023 • Two-year team captain • Four-year letterman Recruitment • Committed to Penn State on Jan. 17, 2023 • Recruited by cornerbacks coach Terry Smith and former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz • Picked Penn State over Michigan, Notre Dame and Pitt • Officially visited on June 9, 2023 Projection Central Catholic doesn't allow its players to graduate early, so Speca won't be enrolling until the summer. Given that both redshirt junior Kobe King and senior Tyler Elsdon will return at middle linebacker in 2024, it makes sense for Speca to redshirt his freshman year. They Said It BWI analyst Thomas Frank Carr: "Speca is a player whose game doesn't hold up the same way as his very impressive highlight reel. When we scratch below the surface, we find a player with lots of things to learn before he's ready to step onto a college football field. However, his three-down potential makes him a quality addition to the Nittany Lions' 2024 class, and he should fit nicely into the linebackers room. If Speca represents the baseline level of athleti- cism that the Nittany Lions are looking for in the middle, they're setting a high floor." T H E S P E C A F I L E