Fort Cherry’s Sieg commits to Penn State
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Matt Sieg wants his family and friends to see him play football at the collegiate level. The Fort Cherry junior also has a dream to play professional football at the highest level.
Sieg believes Penn State University can provide both.
The Rangers’ starting quarterback and defensive back committed to Penn State prior to the Nittany Lions’ game against Ohio State on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. His decision was posted on his X (formerly Twitter) profile just before kickoff.
Most know Sieg from his offensive prowess, but Penn State head coach James Franklin and his associate head coach, Terry Smith, had recruited Sieg as a safety. Sieg was with his mother, father and two brothers on the trip to Happy Valley just hours after he helped lead Fort Cherry to the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class A playoffs in a 56-14 victory over Brentwood.
“I had spoken with my family about it (his commitment) and decided that Saturday was a good time to pull the trigger and make the announcement,” Seig said. “I had a lot of good options. My family and I sat down and thought Penn State would be the best first for my skill set. The way they run their defense and develop players, plus they have a great track record of getting guys into the NFL, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
“I am also excited to be able to play somewhere that is not too far from home. I kind of feel a sense of relief that it’s over. Now, I can focus on the last year-and-a-half of high school and playing with my buddies.”
Sieg’s final five consisted of three close schools in Penn State, Pitt and West Virginia, plus Wisconsin and USC. The Mountaineers were interested in Sieg as an offensive player, too.
“All the other schools were great,” Sieg said. “I was also very impressed with the coaching staff at Penn State.”
At the end of the regular season, Sieg had 36 tackles (seven solo) and two interceptions. He had a pick in the Rangers’ playoff victory.
Sieg and the rest of the Fort Cherry offense have been shining this season, but he and his teammates want to show the rest of the WPIAL they have a solid defense.
“We have a great offense, so I think that’s what people always think about when it comes to our team,” Sieg said. “We can definitely play on both sides of the ball.”
Sieg is not just a football star, as he plays basketball, baseball and competes in track & field. He was the anchor leg of the Rangers’ 400-meter relay team that won the Class 2A state championship in May.
I love playing sports with my friends,” Sieg said. “It’s what we like to do for fun. Baseball was really my first love. I will cherish these moments because I won’t be playing all those sports when I get to college.
“I know I need to improve my speed and strength, but I will continue to work. I am not sure what I will major in. I still have some time to think about that.”