Gruber is One Tough Fullback

Manheim Central High School has been dominating in the Pennsylvania Class AAA playoffs this season because of balance. This is a team that brings a great defense, a potent passing attack and a very strong rushing game, led by junior fullback Joe Gruber. Gruber has yet to earn a ton of attention in recruiting, but definitely could this offseason.

Joe Gruber has become a much more intregal part of the Baron attack this season as the 6-foot, 200-pound fullback has marched forward for 752 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. While he may not be the fastest player on the field, he is nearly impossible to bring down with one man and rips through arm tackles like a hot knife through butter. Add to that a downright meanstreak on the field and you have yourself a nice fullback in the making.

“I camped at Pittsburgh and Penn State this past summer, so I have been getting most of my mail from those two schools,” Gruber said. “I also have been hearing a lot from Ivy League programs already.”

“Coach Mike McQueary came to one of our games recently and a friend of mine that plays at Penn State told me that he had a conversation with Coach McQueary and was told they already like me as a preferred walk-on,” Gruber explained. “I went up for their three-day camp with Dakota Royer and the coaches there were great. They also taught me a lot which has really helped me this season to become a better player. I grew up a huge Penn State fan, so it would be a dream for me to end up playing there.”

“Pittsburgh was also really nice. It was only a one-day camp, but the coaches there were awesome and also really did a good job relating to you off the field as well. I really felt like I fit in there.”

Gruber is the main ball carrier in the Manheim Central offense, however if he can put on an additional 15-20 pounds he certainly has the potential to play fullback at the FBS level.