Manheim Central’s multi-faceted athlete Dakota Royer had a dominating 2008 season. Now, a slew of Division-1 programs are pursuing the talented senior-to-be.
The Barons’ defensive end/wide receiver has seven official Division-1 offers, according to Jeffrey Reinhart of the Lancaster New Era. Reinhart also confirmed that seven other D-1 programs are interested in Royer’s services, but have not extended an offer yet.
Royer has official offers from Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Rutgers, Maryland, Stanford, and Illinois. Other interested schools include Michigan State, LSU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Michigan, West Virginia, and UCONN.
Reinhart, who has covered Manheim Central football very closely for the New Era in the past, also said in an e-mail that Royer appears to be leaning towards Penn State.
When he signs his letter of intent next February, Royer will become the fourth Division-1 recruit from Manheim Central in the last decade, joining Jeff Smoker (Michigan State), Graham Zug (Penn State), and Brandon Miller (Temple).
Royer was already a feared defensive end after the 2007 season, but it was his explosion on the offensive side of the ball in 2008 that showed just how versatile #40 could be. Royer ran for 271 yards and added 56 receptions for 1,099 yards, scoring nine touchdowns. Defensively, Royer posted 81 tackles and 11 sacks.
As a sophomore, Royer racked up 107 tackles and 11.5 sacks for Manheim Central.
The Barons have reached the District 3 “AAA” playoffs each of the last two seasons, reaching the District 3 title game in 2008 – the school’s first appearance in the title game since 2005. Since 1992, Central has posted an overall record of 200-28 (.877).
What MC lacks in historical Division-1 talent it makes up for in program history. Central has won 453 games, 15 District 3 titles, and the 2003 PIAA “AAA” championship.
