By BILL ALBRIGHT
Senior Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK — Two short years ago, Justin Neff could be found terrorizing Central Mountain Wildcat football opponents on the turf at Malinak Stadium.
Following an outstanding career at CMHS, Neff had his choice of playing and probably starting for a good number of Division II or Division III teams.
However, opting not to go that route, Neff made his choice to become a part of the Penn State Nittany Lion program as a preferred walk-on.
Just like many other young athletes who grow up in the Central part of the state, Neff had a dream of having the opportunity to some day play for the Nittany Lions and as a sophomore(freshman eligibility), Neff is living his dream.
“Actually I was born in State College and lived here for the first couple years of my life,” said Neff. “Just growing up, hearing the noise from the stadium was a great experience. I have played football my entire life and I always wanted to play here if given the chance. Going into my senior year (at Central Mountain) I knew that if I could come here as a preferred walk-on, this is where I wanted to be and I was going to take the opportunity.”
During his high school playing days at CMHS, Neff might be found at numerous different offensive positions in any one game. He might line up under center, split out as a receiver or show up in the Wildcat backfield as a running back.
As many outstanding high school athletes do, Neff also made his presence known on defense as a safety whether it would be covering a receiver or chasing down an opposing ball carrier.
Then there were special teams, and that is where Neff put the greatest fear in opponents at the high school level with his ability to score from any point on the field as a punt and kickoff returner.
But that was then and this is now and Neff realizes that he is going to have to pay his dues while learning the PSU program on defense as a safety although he would like to be able at one point during his career to possibly showcase his stuff as a return specialist.
“Things are going good,” said Neff. “Camp just started, we are working hard and right now, I am hoping to work my way into special teams roles this year. Most of the freshmen took a redshirt last year, but I am loving my experience up here. The coaches are great, the schedule is amazing and it is just a lot of fun being part of a big program. That is one reason why I chose to come to Penn State.”
Whether it would be making his way into the big picture on offense, defense or as a member of the special teams, Neff realizes that he finds himself in the middle of the numbers game.
“There are so many talented guys here in all positions that it is difficult to tell where I might fit in,” Neff said. “I just have to keep working hard and leave it up to them (the coaches). Right now safety is my position and I am looking to get in there. But again, we have two good seniors there right now and there is a lot of depth at that position. Hopefully somewhere down the road I will be able to work my way in there, but right now, we are pretty well stacked there.”
Neff also realizes that paying your dues is a big part of making the transition from high school to a Division I program.
“Paying your dues is a big thing around here and whenever you do get your opportunity you have to take it and run with it,” he said. “You can’t wait around or it might not be there again. If you have it, you have to take it, run with it and make the best out of it you can.”
Now that he has been involved in the PSU program for a while, Neff says that looking back at making the decision to make his way to Happy Valley was the best decision he could have made.
“Oh yeah, I just love it here,” said Neff when asked about his decision. “The campus is amazing, the classes are good and engaging, football is awesome and being able to practice with these guys to make myself a better football player as well as a better person, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
