Pottsville DE Palko will live the dream, run-on at Penn State

Pottsville (Pa.) defensive end Joey Palko committed to Bucknell back in August, but the Coal Region standout held out hope that Penn State may have a roster spot available for him next year. While on campus for his second game of the season over the weekend, that opportunity became a reality. 

Palko committed to the Nittany Lions as a preferred run-on on Wednesday evening. 

“Being from a small town in Pennsylvania, it’s always been a dream to play in blue and white,” he told BWI. “Early in the process, I had many great FCS looks. At my last game day visit, I thought I would ever have at Penn State, I was blessed to be offered an opportunity to play for Penn State. After thinking about it with my family for many days, I realized that I could not give up my dream.” 

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Palko has maintained contact with defensive line coach John Scott Jr., and Assistant Recruiting Coordinator Rashad Elby. He’ll join a run-on class that also features in-state offensive lineman Liam Powers, kicker Ryan Barker, North Carolina quarterback Jack Lambert and New York quarterback A.J. Locke. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to get up to Happy Valley and work,” he said. “What put Penn State over the top is a long list of things. The school itself, the coaches and the opportunity that the program offers.”

Palko received FCS offers before committing to Penn State

A two-way standout at Pottsville, Palko caught 13 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns as a tight end this fall. As a defensive end, he was credited with 25 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks according to MaxPreps.  He also had a scholarship offer from St. Francis (Pa.).

Palko is a former teammate and friend of current Penn State freshman linebacker Bobby Walchak, who chose the same path as a run-on last year. 

“I know a few run-ons personally and have heard nothing but good things from it,” he said. “I am aware of the hard work and dedication that is needed and I feel more ready than ever. [Penn State] has produced many successful run-ons that have found a lot of playing time in their career and even have made it to the NFL.”