Exeter's Joey Schlaffer commits to Penn State football

Oct. 23—STATE COLLEGE — Exeter junior tight end Joey Schlaffer, an All-State Class 5A second-team pick last year, committed to Penn State on Saturday before the Nittany Lions' Homecoming game against Illinois.

The 6-6 Schlaffer told Penn State coach James Franklin at midfield at Beaver Stadium that he would sign a letter of intent next year with the Lions.

"People say when you know you know, and it's true," Schlaffer said. "The love that I developed coming to Happy Valley for years coming to see my brother (former Lions and Exeter standout Michal Menet) play never left me.

"People who know me know I had my setbacks and they (Penn State) were the first to offer support and advice. before anyone else did. That's the culture of the program. Penn State is a special place that I can see myself having lots of success at as a student-athlete. My recruitment is officially closed."

Schlaffer ranks among the Berks receiving leaders with 31 receptions for 567 yards and four touchdowns in nine games for the Eagles, who are 6-3 and seventh in the District 3 Class 5A power ratings.

He made five catches against Central York, Wilson, Hempfield and Gov. Mifflin. He had two touchdown catches in Exeter's 42-14 romp past Wilson.

Schlaffer was the only sophomore on the All-Berks team last year when he averaged 23.3 yards on 20 catches and had six touchdowns.