Pennridge rising senior Shane Hartzell announced that he will continue his football career at Villanova University. (Photo provided courtesy of Kim Supko Photography)
Shane Hartzell – Villanova University (Football)
Major: Biology/Kinesiology
Final list of colleges: Villanova, Princeton, Lehigh, Monmouth
Reasons for choosing Villanova: “Just last week I got to Villanova to see the campus, and as soon as I stepped on it – it felt like home. I felt like that’s where I could be for the next four years. I did a Junior Day there in March, but we only saw the sports side. This visit I got to see the whole campus. It was just what I was looking for in a campus. Just something about it made it feel right.”
What was the progression that led you to playing football at the collegiate level? “Me sitting out last year – I had a couple of bigger schools talking to me, but in the end, I feel like it worked out. I think that going to a smaller school will be better for me. I’ll be able to get playing time sooner.
“The COVID-19 pandemic affected the recruiting but not in a terrible way. It affected it in the way that I couldn’t get on campus, but I think it brought me closer to some of the coaches because we were constantly in contact.”
Coach Cody Muller says: “I talked to a lot of college coaches, and the first thing I tell them – ‘He’s gold.’ On and off the field, he’s the type of kid that you just love to coach. He’s a very football intelligent kid, he’s a very great athlete obviously, but what he does off the field – how he interacts with people, no matter if it’s older or younger. He’s just a very respectful kid. He’s awesome. He’s just as good off the field as on the field.
“Villanova is projecting him to be a linebacker just like he does for us now. The growth of Shane from when I took over and he was going into his sophomore year – I knew about Shane, I knew he was a great athlete. He made a lot of great plays – you saw him and said, ‘This kid is special,’ but to see him develop the following year as a leader on our defense and some of the things he was doing, not only as a football player making tackles but also trying to lead our team and improve his football IQ. He took a huge step.
“He was on the radar of a lot of Power 5 schools. Unfortunately, his injury last year stunk, but it didn’t get him down, it didn’t deter him from wanting to be the best. I think it proves it with him committing to such a great school.”
About Shane:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite music: Country
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