Boasting the size and athleticism that can cause match-up problems for opposing defenses, Andrew Quarless is a tall and talented target with the ability to make big plays. With the graduation of three of Penn State[apos]s most prolific receivers in program history, the opportunity for an expanded role in the passing attack is there for Quarless to seize this fall. Playing in 12 games last year with two starts, he made 11 receptions for 117 yards, with a big touchdown in the victory over Illinois. Quarless had five catches of 20 yards or more among his 14 grabs in 2007, demonstrating his speed and athleticism to make big plays. In addition to his pass-catching ability, Quarless has worked hard to become a stronger and more effective blocker, making the former Uniondale HS all-state selection a boon to the productive Penn State offense. He and fellow senior Mickey Shuler will resume their competition for first unit duties when preseason camp begins. An important contributor on special teams as well, Quarless is one of five returning Nittany Lions from New York. He is on schedule to graduate in December.
2008 Junior Season
Playing in 12 games, with starts at Purdue and Ohio State, Quarless continued to improve as a blocker and receiver, helping the Nittany Lions rank in the Top 20 nationally in rushing, total and scoring offense. Quarless made 11 receptions for 117 yards, with a big 17-yard touchdown catch in the primetime win over Illinois. Quarless made a season-high four catches for 50 yards against Temple and had two catches for 31 yards and a score against the Illini. He also made two receptions for 22 yards against Southern California in the 2009 Rose Bowl. Quarless saw action on 415 snaps, topped by 69 against Illinois and 43 each against Syracuse and Southern California. He caught a game-high four passes for 52 yards in the 2009 Blue-White game.
2007 Sophomore Season
Quarless played in the final 10 games of the season, earning seven starts. He averaged 14.6 yards (205 total) on his 14 receptions, the highest average among players with at least 10 catches. He had five catches of 20 yards or more, with a long of 30 yards against Ohio State to set up a touchdown on Penn State[apos]s opening possession. Quarless made two catches for 25 yards against Buffalo, snaring 21 and four-yard touchdown passes from Anthony Morelli. He had at least one catch of 20 yards or more in four consecutive games (Buffalo through Iowa), gaining a season-high 48 yards on three catches against the Hawkeyes. Against Purdue, he made a critical 13-yard catch that set up a Kevin Kelly field goal just before halftime, giving Penn State a 13-10 lead in the 26-19 win. Quarless also made a 22-yard reception in the win at Temple. Quarless was on the field for 652 snaps, led by 80 plays at Michigan State and 74 at Illinois.
2006 Freshman Season
Playing in every game, Quarless, a true freshman, became a reliable and favorite target of Anthony Morelli as the season progressed. He made a season-long catch of 29 yards in each of the last three regular-season games and snared a two-yard touchdown pass from Morelli in the Outback Bowl victory over No. 17 Tennessee. Quarless was fifth on the squad with 21 receptions for 288 yards (13.7 avg.) and two touchdowns, earning first-team Freshman All-Big Ten accolades from The Sporting News. He started nine games, including the last seven, and had the highest average among Nittany Lions with 10 or more receptions. Quarless contributed 16 of his 21 receptions over the last six contests, helping the Lions win five of the games. He also was instrumental in helping Tony Hunt become just the sixth Nittany Lion to twice gain 1,000 yards rushing in a season, finishing second in career rushing with 3,320 yards. Quarless earned his first start at No. 4 Notre Dame in the second week of the season, made his first two career catches against Youngstown State, and added two grabs for 31 yards against Northwestern. He made three receptions for 36 yards at Purdue, including a big 22-yarder during a fourth-quarter touchdown drive in the 12-0 win. Quarless was a bright spot for the Lions at No. 17 Wisconsin, making a season-best five receptions for a team-high 62 yards, including a career-long of 29 yards. His five catches were the most by a Penn State tight end since John Gilmore had five receptions against Northwestern in 2001. Quarless made two catches for 33 yards, including a 29-yard grab, in the Temple game. Against Michigan State, he led the team with a season-high 87 yards on four receptions and snared his first career touchdown on a 17-yard catch and run from Morelli in the second quarter. His 87 receiving yards were the most by a Nittany Lion tight end since Matt Kranchick had 136 yards against Wisconsin in 2003. Quarless equaled his career-long with another 29-yard catch in the third quarter that took the ball to the Michigan State six-yard line and set up the go-ahead touchdown. Quarless was on the field for 583 snaps, led by 79 plays in the shutout win at Purdue.
High School
Quarless earned second-team all-state and first-team all-county accolades during his senior season at Uniondale HS. Playing for Coach Greg Didio, Quarless gained more than 1,200 all-purpose yards as a senior, including 600 receiving yards and 325 rushing yards, with nine touchdowns. He made 39 catches for 843 yards and six touchdowns as a junior, recording 50 tackles and 16 sacks. The first-team all-borough selection was rated the No. 11 tight end prospect in the nation by Scout.com.
Personal
Full name is Andrew C. Quarless. He is a telecommunications major and is on schedule to graduate in December. Born October 6, 1988.
Quarless[apos] 2008 Game-by-Game
Receiving (Catches-Yards-TD)
Coastal Carolina 1-8-0; Oregon State-DNP; Syracuse 0-0-0; Temple 4-50-0; Illinois 2-31-1; Purdue 2-6-0; Wisconsin 0-0-0; Michigan 0-0-0; Ohio State 0-0-0; Iowa 0-0-0; Indiana 0-0-0; Michigan State 0-0-0; USC 2-22-0.
Quarless[apos] 2007 Game-by-Game
Receiving (Catches-Yards-TD)
Florida International-DNP; Notre Dame-DNP; Buffalo 2-25-2; Michigan 2-33-0; Illinois 2-25-0; Iowa 3-48-0; Wisconsin 0-0-0; Indiana 0-0-0; Ohio State 2-34-0; Purdue 1-13-0; Temple 1-22-0; Michigan State 0-0-0; Texas A&M 1-5-0.
Quarless[apos] 2006 Game-by-Game
Receiving (Catches-Yards-TD)
Akron 0-0-0; Notre Dame 0-0-0; Youngstown State 2-12-0; Ohio State 0-0-0; Northwestern 2-31-0; Minnesota 1-23-0; Michigan 0-0-0; Illinois 1-2-0; Purdue 3-36-0; Wisconsin 5-62-0; Temple 2-33-0; Michigan State 4-87-1; Tennessee 1-2-1.