Alan Zemaitis Returning to Penn State Football as Assistant Recruiting Coordinator

Former Penn State cornerback Alan Zemaitis has joined the Nittany Lions’ staff as an assistant recruiting coordinator.

In a statement on Twitter on Wednesday night, Zemaitis thanked his “family” at Susquehanna University, where he previously coached special teams and safeties dating back to 2012. He also expressed how thrilled he is to come home to “finish what [he] started” as a player nearly two decades ago.

Kenny Sanders, Penn State’s national recruiting coordinator, welcomed Zemaitis back to Happy Valley on Twitter. Sanders himself just rejoined the Nittany Lion staff after becoming Oregon’s direct of recruiting in 2019. He was previously Penn State’s assistant director of player personnel for five seasons.

Zemaitis put together a great Penn State career throughout his time in Happy Valley. As a captain, he was a three-time All-Big Ten cornerback and a second-team All-American in 2005. For two straight seasons, he was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back.

Additionally, Zemaitis’ three interceptions against Michigan State in 2005 helped the Nittany Lions secure a Big Ten title (and the coveted Land-Grant Trophy).

He finished his Penn State career with 181 tackles. Zemaitis broke both Big Ten and Penn State single-season records with 207 interception return yards as a sophomore. A huge portion of that came on a 78-yard pick-six over the then-No. 6 Ohio State in November 2003.

Following his time in Happy Valley, Zemaitis joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the No. 122 pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He was soon released after playing sparingly due to injury. Soon after, he spent time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League.