Pagel attended Nashua-Plainfield High School, where he played football and basketball.
As a junior, he became a starter at free safety playing alongside Bob Sanders and recorded one interception.
As a senior, he tied with Jovon Johnson for the team lead with 4 interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
[5][6] On November 9, 2004, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a left calf injury he suffered in the eighth game against the Buffalo Bills, finishing the season with 5 special teams tackles.
He suffered a torn rotator cuff injury in the first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals and was placed on the injured reserve list on August 18.