#78 Mike Farrell
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Team: Penn State
Class: Senior
Ht/Wt: 6'6"/290
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa./Shady Side Academy |
Like Penn State student-athletes before him, on campus now and in the future, Mike Farrell knows there
is more to be gained than attending class and practice and playing in games. Being a Penn State
student-athlete affords an opportunity to earn a great education, compete at the highest level in your
sport, gain leadership skills and give back to others who do not have the same opportunities. As Farrell
continues his hard work in the weight room and practice field, he also is in the midst of his first year as
president of Penn State's Uplifting Athletes chapter. Farrell has coordinated the chapter's events since
January, culminated by the football team's popular Penn State Lift for Life. The annual event, held in July,
had raised nearly $500,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association since 2003, prior to this year's event.
Farrell brings great physical attributes, size and strength to the offensive line. The first-team all-state
selection at Shady Side Academy likely will enter preseason as No. 2 on the depth chart at right tackle,
looking to battle returning starter Chima Okoli. Farrell brought a cumulative 3.22 grade-point average
into the summer and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2010. He also was co-winner of the Frank
Patrick Total Commitment Award with Ty Howle.
2010 Junior Season
Farrell was the No. 2 left tackle for most of the season, but against Indiana, he was called on to start the
game at right tackle. In his first career start, he saw action on a career-high 85 snaps, helping Penn
State to the 41-24 win at FedEx Field. Farrell was instrumental in the Nittany Lions gaining 496 yards
and 24 first downs in the victory. He played in five games and 116 snaps. Farrell earned Academic All-
Big Ten accolades.
2009 Sophomore Season
Farrell helped Penn State gain more than 500 yards in wins over Akron and Eastern Illinois and played in
five games. In his first season on the field, he also saw action in Big Ten victories over Illinois, Indiana
and Michigan State, gaining vital experience. Farrell emerged as the top reserve at left tackle to Dennis
Landolt, who earned third-team All-America honors.
2008 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
Farrell was a team captain for Coach Dave Havern at Shady Side Academy. He was first-team all-section,
All-WPIAL and all-state his senior year. Named the Allegheny Conference Outstanding Lineman-of-the-
Year, Farrell helped lead his team to a 9-2 record and the WPIAL quarterfinals as a senior. Farrell
garnered three letters in football and lacrosse and also wrestled one year.
Personal
Full name is Michael John Farrell. He has two younger brothers, Chris and Jake. Farrell has a number of
family members who attended Penn State, including his father, Mike, uncle Jim Farrell, and cousins Jenn
Hepner and Matt Swilling. An uncle, Barry Swilling, played football at the University of Richmond. Farrell
is majoring in secondary education and brought a cumulative 3.22 grade-point average into the
summer. He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2010. Born August 23, 1989 in Pittsburgh, Pa. |
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