Joey DeFebo ended months of speculation about his collegiate football future at a packed news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Wallenpaupack Area’s all-time leading rusher earned a raucous ovation from coaches, family and friends when he announced that he will attend Kutztown University this fall.
“I’m very excited,” Joey told TWI Sports. “They told me right from the start that I was their #1 recruit at running back. That means alot to me.”
DeFebo’s decision to become a Golden Bear surprised some in the local athletic community since he’d been courted by many Division I schools.
However, the surprise was a “pleasant” one as Joey is remaining closer to home with this Division II program.
“Finally all the stress is over!” DeFebo exclaimed. “Now I can relax and start to focus on being the best running back I can be.”
Joey closed out his scholastic football career as one of the region’s all-time best tailbacks.
Over the course of just 2 1/2 seasons, DeFebo set Paupack school records for rushes (745), yards (5,471), touchdowns (70), yards per carry (7.4) and total points (422).
“His numbers are just staggering,” Dr. Mark Watson said. “He’s a very special football player. A back like Joey only comes around maybe once in a career and I’m lucky to have coached him.”
As video cameras whirred and reporters jockeyed for position, Joey signed his official letter of intent.
Beaming family members surrounded him, including: Rose DeFebo (mom), Ed DeFebo (grandfather) and Janice DeFebo (grandmother).
Stay tuned for Bryan Cosgrove's letter-of-intent story coming online tomorrow.
