Aaron Enterline was always an Alabama guy. Manheim Central’s senior owns about 10 jerseys celebrating football greats from his favorite school’s recent past.
The fandom extends to all sports. As the NCAA Tournament has unfolded this month, Enterline has been pulling harder for the Crimson Tide than anyone else.
All of that is about to change. One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League’s most accomplished wide receivers has accepted a preferred walk-on offer from Penn State.
Crimson is going to be traded in for blue and white. As soon as Alabama’s Final Four basketball run ends, it’s no more Roll Tide for Enterline.
“Once they’re out, it’s the end of my childhood right there,” Enterline said. “I’m Penn State for life.”
Manheim Central senior WR-DB Aaron Enterline during Section 2 of the L-L League Football Media Day festivities at the LNP|LancasterOnline offices in Lancaster on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.
Enterline, a unanimous Section Two all-star and the division’s best defensive player, participated in the L-L League’s Boys Basketball Senior All-Star Game at Hempfield Tuesday night.
The man who wears No. 1 in hoops talked about how Penn State became his No. 1 choice. It came down to the Nittany Lions and Towson. Enterline revealed his plans on social media last week.
“I have big dreams,” he said. “If I want to reach those goals and achieve the dreams I’ve always thought about, that’s where I want to be.”
Enterline caught 80 passes for 1,508 yards and 25 touchdowns for Manheim Central, which reached the District Three Class 4A championship game. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior was named first team All-State and was the L-L’s wide receiver of the year in Section Two.
Penn State has been the frontrunner to land Enterline for weeks. He hopes to reach the NFL someday. It’s easier to get there from Happy Valley than Towson.
“They just develop guys,” Enterline said. “There will be guys who go in there that you don’t really hear about in high school. They come out as top three round draft picks. Even if you don’t go to the NFL, you’re set for life having a Penn State degree.”
Manheim Central Aaron Enterline (3) jumps into the arms of quarterback Ray Lewis (11) after coming down with a jump ball and running in for the winning touchdown against Smyrna during second half action of a Mid Atlantic Pigskin Classic football game at Abessinio Stadium in Wilmington Del. Friday Sept. 1, 2023.
Graham Zug is a famous Manheim Central grad who followed Enterline’s path. Zug was a walk-on who earned a scholarship prior to his junior season. He became an important part of Penn State’s offense.
Zug has messaged Enterline during this process and has provided some inspiration. One Baron did it. Why not two?
“It crossed my mind quite a few times thinking he came from the same place as me,” Enterline said. “The same experience. He made it happen. I feel like I can do the same thing.”
Enterline has spoken with coach James Franklin on multiple occasions. The senior was intimidated at first but soon became comfortable with his future coach. Franklin promised Enterline there would be an opportunity for him.
The objective for Enterline is to play sooner rather than later.
“I’m not going there just for the experience,” he said. “I’m going there to compete and prove myself. Get on the field and take it to the next level.”
Alabama great DeVonta Smith, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, was Enterline’s idol. He also has jerseys of Bryce Young and Julio Jones in his collection.
Enterline doesn’t own any Penn State gear, except for a T-shirt he was given for attending a 7-on-7 camp at State College.
Manheim Central’s standout will get his first Penn State jersey soon enough.
Aaron Enterline (3) of Manheim Central tries to intercept a pass intended for Lex Cyrus (8) of Susquehanna Township during District 3 Class 4A football quarterfinal playoff action at Rettew Stadium in Manheim on Friday, November 10, 2023.
MIKE GROSS | Sports Writer
