Alfred J. "A.J." Pagano[4] is a former college football player for Washington & Jefferson College. During his playing career, he was one of the most prominent NCAA Division III football players, gaining national attention and honors.

A. J. Pagano
No. 43[1]
Position:Running back
Personal information
Height:5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
High school:Knoch High School[2]
College:Washington & Jefferson (1984–1987)
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards

He attended Knoch High School, graduating in 1984.[2] He was a leader of Knoch's Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League championship in 1983.[5]

He attended Washington & Jefferson College, majoring in business, where he played for the football team.[6][3] He helped bring the Washington & Jefferson football team back to prominence; his success as a running back is credited with helping to improve recruiting efforts.[5] In his freshman year, he led the Presidents to the NCAA Division III playoffs, their first post-season appearance since the 1922 Rose Bowl.[3] He played multiple roles for the Presidents, gaining the nickname of "Mr. Everything."[2] By his sophomore year, his coach John Luckhardt said that he was already among the greatest running backs in college history.[2] During his career, he led the team to three Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Championships and four appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs[3] He was a named to the All-PAC team four times (1984–1987).[3] He was named PAC MVP and All-American twice.[3] At the end of his college career, he was second in NCAA Division III history in total scoring, with 261 points.[6]

In July 1988, he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent.[7] He was cut later that year, returning to his hometown to help manage his family's flooring business.[5] He now resides in Butler, Pennsylvania where he is married with one son.

He currently holds the college record for all purpose yards in a single game (357), as well as other rushing records.[1] He was inducted into the Washington & Jefferson Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Individual Records" (PDF). Washington & Jefferson College. 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 28, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d Lucas, Doug (November 12, 1986). "W&J's Pagano an All-Purpose Leader". Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved July 8, 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Washington & Jefferson Athletics Hall of Fame – Class of 1999". Athletic Hall of Fame. Washington & Jefferson College. Archived from the original on July 26, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  4. ^ "Class of 1988 Roster". Washington & Jefferson College. Retrieved July 8, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ a b c Robinson, Scott (September 1, 1996). "For One Player, Best Memories Are Losses". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Tri-State Sports and News Service. Retrieved July 8, 2010.
  6. ^ a b Dellett, Scott (July 24, 1988). "W&J's Pagano A Late Addition". Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved July 8, 2010.
  7. ^ Bouchette, Ed (July 18, 1988). "Steelers cut free-agent Sistrunk; close to signing No. 3 Lanza". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved July 8, 2010.