Blue White Illustrated

W hen Dylan Rivers received a scholarship o4er from Penn State during an uno5cial visit this past January, he knew right away which college he would choose. But he held o4, just to enjoy the recruiting process a little while longer. Rivers has taken a few other visits since then, including trips to Clemson and Virginia Tech. But the three-star linebacker from Sherando High in Stephens City, Va., returned to Univer- sity Park in September, and as he tells Blue White Illustrated's Tim Owen in the following Q&A, he knew upon leaving that on his next visit, he would verbally commit to Penn State. And that's what he did. When the Class of 2017 prospect came back to campus on Nov. 21 for the Nittany Lions' game against Michigan, he informed head coach James Franklin and assistant Brent Pry of his decision while they were in the Lasch Building before the game. Below, Rivers explains why he chose PSU over other top programs, includ- ing the Hokies and Tigers. Prior to your commitment, what was your last contact with Penn State's coaches, and where did you leave things with them? We talked probably the day before. They were just wondering when we were coming up, but before that it was I'll just want to help as much as possible' ' Virginia LB aims to lend a hand beginning in 2017 I N T E R V I E W D Y L A N R I V E R S was among the conversation topics. "It was really relaxed and a good time to not have to talk about football, totally, and get to know each other better than we already do," Zembiec said. "I just feel so connected to all of them, and so do my parents. It felt like I was having uncles over for dinner, not my future Division I football coaches. So it's that kind of rela- tionship that I hope [to have] once I get there – just as sincere for the four or 3ve years that I have." By the time Zembiec's college days begin, a new coordinator will be in charge of Penn State's o4ense. John Donovan was relieved of his duties the same Sunday that Zembiec won a state title, and one of the other conversations that took place at his house centered upon Donovan's re- placement. When Zembiec arrives on Penn State's campus in time for classes Jan. 11, former Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead will be on the job. "Hopefully, it'll end up being the best move for them and for me, too," Zembiec said. If, indeed, the QB spot is up for grabs, it only helps having a clean slate with which to start. It also doesn't hurt that he'll be there half a year early, his arrival almost simultaneous with that of the new O.C. Of course, that wasn't his purpose in enrolling early and bypassing his 3nal se- mester of high school. He said he made the decision so that he could "avoid the rush of everybody just getting there. It'll be easier to ease into school, while getting a jump on the playbook and getting in with the team." But the reality has been settling in that these are his 3nal weeks at home, and it's a bittersweet sentiment. "I think it's good and bad," he said. "I'm leaving a lot of good friends, team- mates, my girlfriend and, obviously, my family outside of school. But, then again, to end it with a state championship and get to go to Penn State early and start playing football and lifting [weights] early – it ended up being the best sce- nario." ■ HEADED TO PSU Rivers, a 6-3, 220- pound three-star prospect, chose the Lions after visiting Vir- ginia Tech and Clem- son. Photo courtesy of Rivals.com

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