VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (AP) — Joe Paterno wants football recruits to consider Penn State on its merits, not on whether the Hall of Fame coach will be around for the length of their stay.

Speaking before an Alumni Club function in suburban Philadelphia on Saturday, the 81-year-old Paterno cited Penn State’s strong academics and football history as reasons recruits should think about going to school in Happy Valley. He says his own uncertain future as coach after this, his 43rd season, shouldn’t figure in the decision.

‘‘My coaches go in, tell kids what life is all about at Penn State, and whether we have a good opportunity for them,’’ Paterno said. ‘‘If one kid asks if coach Paterno is going to be there, they tell them to call me up.

‘‘I tell them exactly what I feel: ’Look, I don’t know whether I’m going to be here the three, four, five years you’re going to be here.’ I say ’I feel great and I’m intending to coach as long as I feel good.