Nick Tarabrella had two signing days. The first when the strong-legged kicker was coming out of Penn-Trafford and pledged to Ashland (Ohio).
The second came last Wednesday when he had a change of heart.
Tarabrella, a sophomore, found himself signing his name with a different Division II program this time: Shippensburg.
The move is two parts academic, one part athletics. Call it a business decision.
“Shippensburg is a great business school that will set me up to succeed very well,” he said. “And with football, the first thing I noticed was it is a family atmosphere with tons of energy from the coaches and commitment with every single player.”
Tarabrella left Penn-Trafford as the career leader in field goals (17) and extra points (161). While he did not kick in his first season at Ashland, which plays in the Greater Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, he thinks he can compete for playing time next season with the Raiders.
“I believe if I keep working this offseason in the weight room and perform during spring ball, I have a shot to win that starting position,” he said.
Initially, Tarabrella (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) had offers from Howard, Seton Hill, Wheeling Jesuit, Mercyhurst, Marietta and Mount Union, along with a preferred walk-on opportunity with Pitt. He also had a chance to play soccer at the next level.
