John Stuckey Class: Senior Hometown: Summit, N.J. High School: Summit Height / Weight: 6-0 / 190 Position: D Experience: SR

Senior John Stuckey is Penn State's most experienced player on close defense and he returns for his senior season ready to lead the Nittany Lions into the NCAA tournament. Stuckey, a veteran of nearly 40 games through his first three seasons, will once again be counted on to anchor Penn State's close defense in 2009.

LION CAREER:

2008:The New Jersey native played in all 14 of Penn State's games last year and ended the campaign with 20 ground balls. He has 55 ground balls through his first three seasons with Penn State.

2007:Stuckey started 12 games for the Nittany Lions in 2007, missing one game due to an injury. He had 13 ground balls.

2006: Stuckey played in every single game for Penn State as a true-freshman and started all 13. He had 22 ground balls during the course of the year and emerged as an anchor on defense for the Nittany Lions.

HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL:
Born April 10, 1987...was a second team all-state pick at Summit High School in 2005...helped guide the Hilltoppers to the 2005 New Jersey state title...earned three lacrosse letters at Summit and lettered in football as well...son of Bill and Darla Stuckey...one brother, Jackson, and one sister, Hannah...an English major at Penn State.

COACHES VIEW:
"John spent the fall on the injury list, but is expected to be our most experienced defensive leader on close defense. John has started since his freshman year and does a great job with the defensive communication and puts good pressure on opponent's ball handlers. Although not overly physical, John can match up well with most attackman." - Coach Thiel