John Cappelletti
John Cappelletti played defensive halfback as a sophmore when the lions had Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell - Tailback during junior and senior years.
Cappelletti put together three straight 200-yard rushing games in the final month of the season, including a high of 220 against North Carolina State. In 1973, Cappelletti recieved the Maxwell Trophy, which is presented annually to the outstanding player in collegiate football. Cappelletti was also selected as Player-of-the-Year by ABC-TV, United Press International, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, the Walter Camp Foundation, and the Washington Touchdown Club. He also played in the hula and Senior bowl games.
Cappelletti’s career yardage total of 2,639 still ranks him No. 9 on the Lions’ all-time rushing list. Cappelletti still holds a number of Penn State ground-gaining records.
The 1973 Heisman Trophy winner, John Cappelletti helped the Nittany Lions to a perfect 12-0 season and No.5 national ranking in both of the major polls. A consensus All-American, Cappelletti rushed for 1,522 yards and 17 touchdowns in 1973. Cappelletti Majored in law enforcement and corrections.