Stampone Tests the Waters

Nazareth, Pa., native Anthony Stampone has started at linebacker for his team since he was a freshman in high school and has been incredibly productive during his time at the position. He recently visited Happy Valley and got to see how he stacks up with the best at his position.

Anthony Stampone, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound middle linebacker from Nazareth Area High School is a player that knows his value to a program and also realizes his shortcomings as well. During a visit to Penn State he saw that he had the instincts and ability to play at the next level, but realized his lack of great speed is something he’ll need to work on.

“I went up to the Blue and White Game and it was great,” Stampone said. “I attended the camp too and there was a ton of great competition. I went up against some guys that had offers from Penn State and I think I did pretty well in comparison to be honest.”

“It was good to see where I am at athletically compared to kids that already have offers at the highest levels,” Stampone added. “Compared to those kids I think I lack in overall speed and height to a point, but I definitely have the bulk and quickness of those guys there. It’s nice to see that I can stack up with those kids in a lot of areas and it also gives me an idea what I need to work on the most which is simply getting a bit faster on the field.”

“James Madison, Hofstra, Rhode Island, UNH, Duke and Temple have been showing me a lot of interest right now,” Stampone stated. “I definitely think my senior season will determine whether I end up playing at the high I-AA level or I-A level. I’ve been starting since my freshman year and have a ton of experience under my belt, so I’m confident I can play at either level, so I’ll be working even harder as a senior to show coaches that.”

Stampone has started at Nazareth since his freshman year and has accumulated 205 total tackles, with 80 coming in his junior season.